Transcript September 11, 2001 Lessons Learned
TERRORISM
Unit Objectives
Define terrorism.
Identify potential targets in the community.
Identify CERT operating procedures for a terrorist incident.
Describe the actions to take following a suspected terrorist incident.
What Is Terrorism?
The unlawful use of force or violence committed by a group or individual against persons or property to intimidate or coerce a government, the civilian population, or any segment thereof, in furtherance of political or social objectives.
--U.S. Department of Justice
Domestic Attacks
World Trade Center (1993).
Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City (1995)
Atlanta Olympic Games (1996)
Family planning clinics in Atlanta (1996 and 1997)
World Trade Center and the Pentagon (2001)
Mass casualties Loss of critical resources Disruption of vital services Disruption of the economy Individual and mass panic
Terrorist Goals
Terrorist Targets
Terrorist select “soft” or lightly protected targets over “hard” or very secure targets.
Terrorists may also be drawn to major events such as parades or athletic events. Because of this, you may see increased security measures to help deter and prevent terrorism.
Terrorist Targets
Terrorist Targets
Terrorism Exists Because. . . .
It is cheap It is mobile It is low tech It is deniable It is more effective than the political process It is less drastic than total warfare And it WORKS!
Terrorist Weapons
B
iological
N
uclear
I
ncendiary
C
hemical
E
xplosives
Biological Weapons
Targets: People, animals, crops Routes of exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, absorption Agents: May take days or weeks to be confirmed.
May spread far beyond initial contamination point.
Considered high risk.
Biological Weapons
Biological agents are in three groups,
Toxins
•
Ricin
Bacteria
•
Anthrax
Viruses
•
Small Pox
Biological Weapons
Only 2 known successful etiological attacks in the USA;
751 persons were stricken with salmonella in September 1984 due to intentional contamination of food at 10 restaurants in Wasco County, Oregon
The other attack was when British soldiers gave small pox exposed blankets to native American Indians.
Biological Weapons
Transmission of these Biological Weapons would most likely be accomplished by aerosol dissemination.
Biological Weapons
Symptoms don't show up for hours or days. Most are not person to person transmitted except for Small Pox, Ebola Virus and Pneumonic Plague.
Position Uphill, Upwind. Respiratory and Protective Clothing.
Biological Weapons
Antidotes/First Aid = Strip, Decon with soap and water Bag clothing Most antidotes are ineffective. NOTE: In specific situations, a 5% solution of bleach may be effective as a decon solution
Nuclear Weapons
Much different than conventional weapons:
Many casualties
Very large area affected
Long-term health effects
Considered relatively low risk
Types of radiation:
Alpha
Beta
Gamma
Nuclear Weapons
Alpha
Least dangerous externally
More dangerous internally
Particles are large
Travel only a few feet
Nuclear Weapons
Beta
Smaller particles
Some penetration
Causes more skin damage
Nuclear Weapons
Nuclear Weapons
Gamma
Most dangerous
Can penetrate into and through the body
Nuclear Weapons
Radiation Devices
Improvised nuclear device:
An actual nuclear weapon explosion (conventional bomb plus radioactive material).
Radiological dispersal device:
Bomb laced with radioactive material or a failed nuclear device.
Hazards
Radiation Sickness
Radiation Injury
Radiation Poisoning
Nuclear Weapons
Nuclear Weapons
Radiation Sickness
Caused by exposure to large amounts of radiation. Symptoms:
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, hemorrhage, and lowers the body's resistance to disease and infection.
Symptoms occur the day after the exposure and may last a few days.
Depending on the exposure, it may take seven to eight weeks to recover.
Nuclear Weapons
Radiation injury:
Consists of localized injuries such as skin burns, skin lesions, and loss of hair caused by radiation.
Occur from high amounts of the less penetrating types of radiation like beta particles.
Usually confined to the hands, since such large amounts of exposure generally occur during improper handling of radiation sources.
Nuclear Weapons
Radiation poisoning:
Caused by dangerous amounts of internal radiation.
Anemia and cancer.
Internal exposure from alpha particles is the most common cause of radiation poisoning.
Nuclear Weapons
Radiation sickness, injury, and poisoning are NOT contagious or infectious.
Treating or helping a victim who has been exposed to radiation
WILL NOT
expose emergency response personnel to radiation.
If the victim is covered with radioactive material like dust, the material can contaminate responders and cause radiation sickness.
Used to initiate combustion
Easy to use Considered high risk/low impact
Easy to make
3 main parts
•
Igniter or fuse
•
Container or body
•
Incendiary material or filler
Incendiary Devices
Chemical Agents
Five types
Blister Blood Choking Nerve Irritants (Riot – Control Agents) Components readily available Onset of symptoms from immediate to 18 hours Considered moderate risk
Blister Agents
First used in WW1, developed to get around gas masks.
Smells like garlic, sulfur or geraniums. Mustard (effect delayed) Nitrogen Mustard (effect delayed) Lewisite (effect immediate) All are heavier than air and can be absorbed through skin, lungs, and eyes.
Blister Agents
Signs/symptoms of exposure;
Reddening of eyes/gritty irritation, reddening of skin, severe itching/burning of skin, blisters with/without pain, sore throat, hoarseness, dry cough /nausea /vomiting.
Signs/symptoms may not present until 2-24 hours after exposure.
Blister Agents are an immediate inhalation hazard, 30 minutes on the skin and most exposures will be fatal.
Eyes are the most vulnerable.
80% of decontamination will be accomplished by removing the clothing.
Victims usually die from secondary infection.
In WWI 25% of all U. S. casualties were from blister agents. (70,000 casualties of 272,000 total casualties), however only 2% were fatal.
Blister Agents
Blister Agents
Antidotes/First Aid =
Immediately wash skin and clothes with 5% solution of sodium hypochlorite or liquid household bleach within one minute.
Cut and remove contaminated clothing, flush contaminated skin area again with 5% sodium hypochlorite solution, then wash contaminated skin area with soap and water, (30 minute window on skin or Death).
Treatment by Medical Personnel.
Blood Agents
First used in WW1. Smell like Bitter Almonds.
Hydrogen Cyanide (lighter than air) Cyanogen Chloride (heavier than air)
Absorbed into the bloodstream and deprive blood cells of oxygen. Exposure may be made through liquid or vapor contact with any exposed skin, inhalation, or ingestion.
Blood Agent
Signs/symptoms
Headaches
Strong stimulated breathing
Loss of consciousness / convulsions
Apnea
Reddish Skin and Lips.
Quick gulp of air, DEATH in minutes. “Bluish” across the nose and cheeks and around the mouth.
Blood Agent
If the poisoning occurs rapidly there is no time for symptoms to develop and exposed persons may then suddenly collapse and die.
Choking Agents
First used in WW1 Smells; Newly mowed hay, Pool chlorine.
Phosgene- Frequently created accidentally at home by combining bleach and ammonia.
Chlorine, Currently used widely in water and wastewater plants.
Sulfur Dioxide- Currently used widely in wastewater plants.
Choking Agents
Attack the lungs. Following exposure through inhalation, the lungs fill with fluid, which prevents oxygen from being absorbed by, and carbon dioxide from being removed from, the blood.
Death results from lack of oxygen and is similar to drowning.
Choking Agents
Antidotes/First Aid = Treatment by Medical Personnel.
Nerve Agents
Developed in the 1930’s. G in name means it was designed in Germany.
Smells;
G= Colorless but may be have fruity odor,
Vx= Odorless, sulfur odor if impure and liquid is slight yellow color.
GA (Tabun) GB (Sarin) GD (Soman) VX (no name) (heavier than air and can be absorbed through eyes /lungs /skin.)
Nerve Agents
Affect the central nervous system. Quickest acting Most lethal of all chemical agents, acting within seconds of exposure.
Victims of nerve agents experience constricted pupils, runny nose, shortness of breath, convulsions, and cessation of breathing.
Nerve Agents
Signs/symptoms of exposure;
Pinpoint pupils Runny nose/salivation Tightness of the chest Coughing, jerking, and twitching Difficulty breathing Nausea /vomiting /diarrhea Sudden loss of consciousness Convulsions / apnea.
Nerve Agent
Sarin (GB), Soman (GD) and Tabun (GA) have a 2-3 hour duration.
"VX" last days or weeks in an oily state, it is a persistent chemical.
Nerve Agent
Antidotes/First Aid = Auto injector, Hose down first except VX, Remove clothing then Decon.
(30 minute window on skin or Death). Treatment by Medical Personnel.
Death usually occurs within two minutes of receiving a lethal dose.
For VX decon with bleach solution. For GB decon with a caustic soda solution.
Riot – Control Agents
Lachrymators
cause tears and eye pain.
Sternutators / Vomiting agents
cause the victim to sneeze and / or vomit
Riot – control Agents
Cause respiratory distress and tearing Designed to incapacitate rather than kill. Riot-control agents cause intense pain, especially in the moist areas of the body.
Common riot-control agents include
CS (also known as “tear” gas)
Capsicum (also called pepper spray).
Signs/Symptom:
Irritated eyes, nose and throat.
Antidotes/First Aid:
Flush with cold water. Treatment by medical Doctor.
Riot – Control Agents
Terrorists “weapons of choice”
Can be:
Military munitions
Improvised explosive devices
Consider Secondary Devices
Considered high risk
Mechanical Devices
Mechanical Devices
Most successful terrorist tool. 70% of successful terrorism is through the use of BOMBS.
Incendiary devices are used in 25% of all bombings.
Explosions result in secondary hazards being formed, including poisonous gases and/or oxygen depleted or enriched atmospheres.
Secondary Devices
Anticipate multiple devices targeted at the first responders.
Manage the scene effectively: Establish exclusion zone of at least 1000’.
Set up functions 2000’ to 4000’ uphill, upwind and behind protective cover. Provide for rapid evacuation.
Searches should be conducted by qualified personnel.
What Is the Risk?
B-NICE Indicators
Environmental indicators:
Sick or dead animals, fish, or birds Unscheduled spraying Vapor clouds or mists Absence of crops, wildlife, or insects
B-NICE Indicators
Environmental indicators:
Out of place and unattended packages, boxes, or vehicles Packages that are leaking Unusual materials or equipment Small explosions that disperse liquids, mists, or gases
Unusual odors or tastes
B-NICE Indicators
Physical indicators:
Many casualties without signs of obvious trauma
Victims who are exhibiting similar symptoms Large numbers seeking medical attention
Preparing for Terrorism
Size - up Assembling a disaster supply kit.
Identify a safe room and meeting place outside of the home or workplace.
Develop a family communication plan.
Learn shelter-in-place procedures.
Shelter-in-Place Procedures
Shut off ventilation system. Go to safe room with disaster supply kit.
Duct tape plastic sheeting over openings where outside air can come in.
Seal with duct tape other areas where air can come in.
Listen to battery-powered radio for all clear.
CERT Guiding Principles
Team safety is the number one priority.
Always do a thorough size-up.
Stop, look, listen, and think before taking any action.
•
What are the dangers?
•
What are team capabilities?
•
What are team limitations?
Terrorist incidents are a stop sign
Take in the whole area during the size-up
CERTs will be very limited in what they can do.
CERT Protocols
CERTs and Terrorist Incidents
Any of the indications of a terrorist incident, you should:
Not touch it!
Move away from the object or area.
Report it to authorities.
Caution! Using cellular phones or two-way radios may detonate an explosive device!
Self-Care During Terrorist Incidents At the incident:
Limit exposure time .
Increase the distance from the hazard.
Move upwind and uphill
Rule of thumb
Add shielding .
Basic Decontamination Procedures 1. Leave the contaminated area.
2. Take decontamination action.
Remove everything.
Wash hands before using them to shower.
Shower or flush with cool water.
Blot dry.
3. Report for decontamination.
Decontamination Procedures
Wind Direction
Establishing Zones
“Cold Zone” Safe Area “Warm Zone” Evacuation & Decontamination Area “Hot Zone” Incident Contaminated Area
Helpful Hints
To Avoid Becoming A Terrorist Target
Travel and Terrorism
FOREIGN
Refer to State Department web sites http://travel.state.gov/travel_warnings.html
Obtain addresses and phone numbers for Embassies/Consulates in countries you visit
Copy travel documents
Keep separate
Give a copy to family or friend not traveling with you
Travel
Carry a map at all times
Know your location of “Safe Havens” (Police, Fire, EMS, Hospitals, etc)
Mark them on your map prior to embarking on your trip
Safe Orientation
Allow extra time at airports for security
Always pack your own bags
Do not accept items others ask you to pack
Limit time in ticket area by traveling off peak hours
Air Travel
Limit time in unsecured concourse areas
i.e. Shopping or Eating areas
Report any suspicious bag or package seen
Move away from the object, notify security
Sit close to your assigned gate away from windows
Airports
Request exit aisle seats or rear seats near aisle
Know where the exits are at all times
On The Aircraft
Hail your own taxis Always request a taxi or shuttle that maintains appropriate credentials
Use hotel for reliable transportation sources
Taxis
Rental car; keep gas tank as full as possible
Park facing out, in order to pull out not back out
Circle car prior to entry, look for suspicious activity in your car or near you
Automobile travel
Autos
Keep the windows up and doors locked Travel on high traffic roads Be cautious of slow moving vehicles or cars attempting to limit your movements
Check your rearview mirror frequently
If some is following you, proceed to one of the “Safe Havens” marked on your map
Vary the routes you travel
Driving
Obtain a room between the Second and Sixth floor
Enter and exit hotels at varied times and using varied entrances and exits
Know emergency exits and routes
Hotel
Keep ALL room keys with you at all times
Secure all personal documents in room safe or hotel safe Keep doors and windows locked at all times
Never open the door to unknown individuals
Hotel
Wear nondescript clothing
Carry nondescript luggage
Careful about tags and stickers
Avoid the appearance of a tourist (carrying cameras, luggage, etc)
Personal
Carry all essential personal items with you at all times
Passport w/visa,
Carry or put in hotel safe
checkbook, credit cards, cash, undesirable ID (military, religious, associations, etc.)
Carry a piece of hotel stationary with you for address and phone number
Personal
Public
When traveling with a group, stay together Designate one or more meeting points to reunite
When in a place of public assembly, position yourself
away from windows
near exit
Know where the closest exit or cover is at all times Avoid restaurants and social places that cater to Americans If attack occurs, hit the ground- DO NOT RUN !
Lie on your stomach with your feet and knees together and soles facing the attack