RESPONSE TO TERRORISMRESPONSE TO TERRORISMBasic ConceptsBasic Concepts

““Courage is not the absence of fear, but being Courage is not the absence of fear, but being

able to do what is right in the presence of it.”able to do what is right in the presence of it.”

Adapted from FEMA SS-534 Emergency Response to Terrorism

Self-Study Program

June 1999

OBJECTIVESOBJECTIVES

Following this module, Following this module, the participant will be able to:the participant will be able to:

Define terrorism.Define terrorism. Describe risks associated with terroristic Describe risks associated with terroristic

events.events. Identify primary indicators.Identify primary indicators. Identify and use self-protective measures.Identify and use self-protective measures. Assume initial scene control.Assume initial scene control. Initiate notification procedures to begin Initiate notification procedures to begin

response.response.

TERRORISM DEFINEDTERRORISM DEFINED“The unlawful use of force against persons or “The unlawful use of force against persons or

property to intimidate or coerce a government, property to intimidate or coerce a government, civilian population, or any segment thereof, in civilian population, or any segment thereof, in

the furtherance of political or social objectives.”the furtherance of political or social objectives.”

““Kill one, frighten ten thousand.”Kill one, frighten ten thousand.” Sun TzuSun Tzu

SAFETYSAFETY is concern number oneis concern number one

Be alert for suspicious activity. Be alert for suspicious activity. Notify authorities.Notify authorities. Follow instructions.Follow instructions. Don’t add to the problem.Don’t add to the problem. Leave the area when Leave the area when

instructed.instructed. Protect yourself.Protect yourself.

T-D-ST-D-S

The three common elementsThe three common elementsof terrorist acts:of terrorist acts:

Illegal use of forceIllegal use of force Intended to Intended to

intimidate or coerceintimidate or coerce Support of political/Support of political/

socialsocial objectivesobjectives

Government facilities Government facilities Public assembly Public assembly

buildingsbuildings Mass transit systemsMass transit systems Telecommunications Telecommunications Symbolic SitesSymbolic Sites

POTENTIAL TARGETSPOTENTIAL TARGETS

CONSEQUENCE MANAGEMENTCONSEQUENCE MANAGEMENT

You You maymay be asked to assist during be asked to assist during initial evacuation or provide initial evacuation or provide

technical expertise.technical expertise.

CONSEQUENCE MANAGEMENTCONSEQUENCE MANAGEMENTRange of Terrorist IncidentsRange of Terrorist Incidents

Significant threat:Significant threat:

Confirmed presence Confirmed presence ofof

an explosive device oran explosive device or

WMD capable ofWMD capable of

causing a significantcausing a significant

destructive event,destructive event,

prior to any injuryprior to any injury

or property lossor property loss..

CONSEQUENCE MANAGEMENTCONSEQUENCE MANAGEMENTRange of Terrorist IncidentsRange of Terrorist Incidents

Limited consequences:Limited consequences:

detonation of an explo-detonation of an explo-

sive device, use of WMD,sive device, use of WMD,

with or without warning,with or without warning,

that results in limitedthat results in limited

injury or death andinjury or death and

consequences which areconsequences which are

within state and localwithin state and local

capabilities.capabilities.

CONSEQUENCE MANAGEMENTCONSEQUENCE MANAGEMENTRange of Terrorist IncidentsRange of Terrorist Incidents

Major consequences: resulting in substantialMajor consequences: resulting in substantialinjury or death, such that consequences exceedinjury or death, such that consequences exceed

State and local capabilities.State and local capabilities.

CRISIS MANAGEMENTCRISIS MANAGEMENTMilitary/Law Enforcement Response: Measures toMilitary/Law Enforcement Response: Measures to

identify, acquire and plan use of all resources needed toidentify, acquire and plan use of all resources needed to

anticipate, prevent and/or resolve a threat or act of terror.anticipate, prevent and/or resolve a threat or act of terror.

PRESIDENTIAL DECISION PRESIDENTIAL DECISION DIRECTIVE 39DIRECTIVE 39

Reduce vulnerabilityReduce vulnerability Respond to manage consequences of Respond to manage consequences of

terrorism. terrorism. Crisis ManagementCrisis Management

FBI has lead role - focus on criminal aspects.FBI has lead role - focus on criminal aspects. Consequence ManagementConsequence Management

FEMA has lead role, focus on alleviating FEMA has lead role, focus on alleviating damage, loss, hardship and suffering. damage, loss, hardship and suffering.

Emergency Response TeamEmergency Response Team Establishes Disaster Field Office.Establishes Disaster Field Office.

CATEGORIESCATEGORIES Terrorist IncidentsTerrorist Incidents

BBiologicaliological NNuclearuclear IIncendiarncendiar

yy CChemicalhemical EExplosivexplosive

T-D-ST-D-S

Pose a serious threat due to their Pose a serious threat due to their accessibility, potential for rapid spread, accessibility, potential for rapid spread, and ability to cause multiple casualties.and ability to cause multiple casualties.

Routes of EntryRoutes of EntryInhalationInhalation

AbsorptionAbsorption

Ingestion Ingestion

InjectionInjection

BIOLOGICAL AGENTSBIOLOGICAL AGENTS

COMMON BIOLOGICAL COMMON BIOLOGICAL AGENTSAGENTS

Most likely routes of exposure areMost likely routes of exposure are inhalation and ingestion inhalation and ingestion

BacteriaBacteria

RickettsiaRickettsia

VirusesViruses

ToxinsToxins

BACTERIA & RICKETTSIABACTERIA & RICKETTSIA

Bacteria: single-celled organisms Bacteria: single-celled organisms Multiply by cell divisionMultiply by cell division

Rickettsia: smaller than bacteriaRickettsia: smaller than bacteria Live inside individual host cells to cause Live inside individual host cells to cause

diseasedisease

Bacteria examples:Bacteria examples: Anthrax (Anthrax (bacillus anthracisbacillus anthracis)) Cholera (Cholera (Vibrio choleraeVibrio cholerae)) Plague (Plague (Yersinia pestisYersinia pestis))

Rickettsia example:Rickettsia example: Q-fever (Q-fever (coxiella burnetii coxiella burnetii ))

VIRUSESVIRUSES

Simplest type of microorganismsSimplest type of microorganisms Lack a system for their own Lack a system for their own metabolism metabolism Depend on living cells to multiplyDepend on living cells to multiply Won’t live long outside a “host”Won’t live long outside a “host” ExamplesExamples::

SmallpoxSmallpox Equine encephalitisEquine encephalitis Hemorrhagic fevers Hemorrhagic fevers

(Ebola, Marburg, Lassa).(Ebola, Marburg, Lassa).

TOXINSTOXINS

Toxic substances of NATURAL originToxic substances of NATURAL origin Produced by a plant, animal, or microbeProduced by a plant, animal, or microbe Examples:Examples:

Botulism (botulinum)Botulism (botulinum) SEB (staphyloccal enterotoxin B)SEB (staphyloccal enterotoxin B) RicinRicin

TOXINSTOXINS

Differ from “chemical” agentsDiffer from “chemical” agents

because...because... They are not man madeThey are not man made More complex materialsMore complex materials By weight are usually more By weight are usually more

toxic than many chemical toxic than many chemical agentsagents

T-D-ST-D-S

THE NUCLEAR THREATTHE NUCLEAR THREAT

Threatened detonation of a nuclear weaponThreatened detonation of a nuclear weapon Use of a threat as extortionUse of a threat as extortion No known instance of any No known instance of any non-governmentalnon-governmental

group close to obtaining or producing a group close to obtaining or producing a weaponweapon

Radiological Dispersal Device (RDD)Radiological Dispersal Device (RDD) Use of a conventional explosive to disperse Use of a conventional explosive to disperse

nuclear material to contaminate a large areanuclear material to contaminate a large area Example, truck bomb positioned near a Example, truck bomb positioned near a

nuclear power plant or an explosive device nuclear power plant or an explosive device placed near nuclear cargo in transportplaced near nuclear cargo in transport

NUCLEAR RADIATION TYPESNUCLEAR RADIATION TYPES

AlphaAlpha

BetaBeta

GammaGamma

NUCLEAR RADIATION TYPESNUCLEAR RADIATION TYPES AlphaAlpha

Heaviest, most highly chargedHeaviest, most highly charged Won’t penetrate the skinWon’t penetrate the skin Stopped by a sheet of paperStopped by a sheet of paper Internal hazard if radioactive particles Internal hazard if radioactive particles

are ingested by eating, drinking or are ingested by eating, drinking or breathing breathing

NUCLEAR RADIATION TYPESNUCLEAR RADIATION TYPES BetaBeta

Smaller particleSmaller particle Surface tissue penetrationSurface tissue penetration

Generally will not reach inner organsGenerally will not reach inner organs May enter through unprotected open wounds, May enter through unprotected open wounds,

cause skin burnscause skin burns Poses an internal hazard if ingested.Poses an internal hazard if ingested. Disposal of contaminated clothing and thorough Disposal of contaminated clothing and thorough

washing with soap and water as protective washing with soap and water as protective measure. measure.

NUCLEAR RADIATION TYPESNUCLEAR RADIATION TYPES GammaGamma

Most penetratingMost penetrating Produces acute symptomsProduces acute symptoms

Skin burnsSkin burns NauseaNausea VomitingVomiting FeverFever Hair lossHair loss

This is heavy stuff, time for a break..This is heavy stuff, time for a break..

..be back in ten ..be back in ten minutes.minutes.

T-D-ST-D-S

An incendiary device is any An incendiary device is any mechanical, electrical or chemical mechanical, electrical or chemical device used intentionally to initiate device used intentionally to initiate

combustion and start a fire.combustion and start a fire.

INCENDIARY INCIDENTSINCENDIARY INCIDENTS

INCENDIARY DEVICES?INCENDIARY DEVICES?

CHEMICAL INCIDENTSCHEMICAL INCIDENTS

NERVE AGENTSNERVE AGENTS: disrupt the central nervous : disrupt the central nervous systemsystem

BLISTER AGENTSBLISTER AGENTS (VESICANTS): cause severe burns (VESICANTS): cause severe burns BLOOD AGENTSBLOOD AGENTS: interrupts Hemoglobin transport: interrupts Hemoglobin transport CHOKING AGENTSCHOKING AGENTS: stress respiratory system: stress respiratory system IRRITATING AGENTSIRRITATING AGENTS: incapacitates by causing:: incapacitates by causing:

tearing, tearing, respiratory distress, respiratory distress, pain.pain.

ROUTES OF EXPOSUREROUTES OF EXPOSURE

INHALATION (primary)INHALATION (primary)

ABSORPTIONABSORPTION

DIRECT SKIN CONTACT:DIRECT SKIN CONTACT: nerve, nerve,

blisterblister

irritant agentsirritant agents

INJECTION (least likely) INJECTION (least likely)

NERVE AGENTSNERVE AGENTS

Toxic even in small concentrationsToxic even in small concentrations

Effects similar to organophosphate Effects similar to organophosphate

pesticides, but of a pesticides, but of a much higher toxicitymuch higher toxicity

Early outward warning signs and Early outward warning signs and symptoms:symptoms: Runny nose, nasal congestion Runny nose, nasal congestion Profuse tearing, dimmed or blurred visionProfuse tearing, dimmed or blurred vision Pinpoint pupils, eye pain aggravated by sunlightPinpoint pupils, eye pain aggravated by sunlight Excessive salivation, abdominal pain, nausea Excessive salivation, abdominal pain, nausea Involuntary urination and/or defecationInvoluntary urination and/or defecation Chest pressure, cough, difficulty breathingChest pressure, cough, difficulty breathing Excessive sweatingExcessive sweating Muscle tremors, involuntary twitchingMuscle tremors, involuntary twitching Giddiness, anxiety, difficulty in thinking or Giddiness, anxiety, difficulty in thinking or

sleepingsleeping

NERVE AGENTSNERVE AGENTS

Resemble water or light oil in pure formResemble water or light oil in pure form

OdorlessOdorless

Typically dispersed as aerosolTypically dispersed as aerosol Important indicators and clues:Important indicators and clues:

Small explosionsSmall explosions Presence of spray devicesPresence of spray devices Dead insects, birds, animals, people!Dead insects, birds, animals, people!

NERVE AGENTSNERVE AGENTS

Blister AgentsBlister Agents

Readily penetrate clothingReadily penetrate clothing Quickly absorbedQuickly absorbed VeryVery toxic, but less so than nerve agents toxic, but less so than nerve agents

Effects similar to common corrosivesEffects similar to common corrosives ExamplesExamples: :

Mustard Gas (H, HD)Mustard Gas (H, HD) Lewisite (L)Lewisite (L)

Clinical symptoms may not appear for Clinical symptoms may not appear for hours or dayshours or days Eyes (1 hr):Eyes (1 hr): Reddening, tearing, burning, Reddening, tearing, burning,

“gritty”“gritty”

Skin (1-12 hrs):Skin (1-12 hrs): Itching, redness, tenderness, Itching, redness, tenderness, burning pain, blisters,most intense in warm, burning pain, blisters,most intense in warm, moist areas of the groin and armpitsmoist areas of the groin and armpits

Respiratory (2-12 hrs):Respiratory (2-12 hrs): Burning sensation in Burning sensation in nose/throat, hoarseness, profusely running nose/throat, hoarseness, profusely running nose, severe cough, shortness of breathnose, severe cough, shortness of breath

Digestive (2-3 hrs):Digestive (2-3 hrs): Abdominal pain, nausea, Abdominal pain, nausea, bloody vomiting and diarrheabloody vomiting and diarrhea

BLISTER AGENTSBLISTER AGENTS

BLISTER AGENTSBLISTER AGENTS

Are heavy, oily liquidsAre heavy, oily liquids Dispersed by aerosol or evaporationDispersed by aerosol or evaporation Be alert for small explosions, fires or spray Be alert for small explosions, fires or spray

equipment equipment In a pure state are nearly colorless and odorlessIn a pure state are nearly colorless and odorless

Dark color and a garlic or onion odorDark color and a garlic or onion odor Outward signs:Outward signs:

Eye and respiratory irritationEye and respiratory irritation Similar symptoms appearing in many Similar symptoms appearing in many

individualsindividuals

Result in asphyxiation by interfering with Result in asphyxiation by interfering with the ability of blood to transport oxygenthe ability of blood to transport oxygen

Toxic at high concentrations: rapid death Common industrial compounds:

hydrogen cyanide (AC), cyanogen chloride (CK) When under pressure are liquids

In pure form are gases Victims require prompt removal to fresh air

And respiratory therapy in a hospital

BLOOD AGENTSBLOOD AGENTS

BLOOD AGENTSBLOOD AGENTS

Bitter almonds or peach blossomsBitter almonds or peach blossoms

Clinical symptoms:Clinical symptoms: Respiratory distressRespiratory distress Vomiting /diarrheaVomiting /diarrhea Vertigo / headaches Vertigo / headaches

Cause asphyxiation by respiratory edemaCause asphyxiation by respiratory edema (fluid in the lungs, resembling drowning)(fluid in the lungs, resembling drowning)

Common industrial chemicals:Common industrial chemicals: Examples: chlorine, phosgeneExamples: chlorine, phosgene

Clinical symptoms:Clinical symptoms: Severe eye irritation, coughing, Severe eye irritation, coughing,

chokingchoking Phosgene has odor of newly cut Phosgene has odor of newly cut

hayhay

CHOKING AGENTSCHOKING AGENTS

Designed to incapacitate, “riot control” agentsDesigned to incapacitate, “riot control” agents

Generally non-lethal, but can result in asphyxiationGenerally non-lethal, but can result in asphyxiation Confined spaces, high concentrationsConfined spaces, high concentrations

Examples:Examples: Chloropicrin, MACE (CN),Chloropicrin, MACE (CN), Tear gas (CS)Tear gas (CS) Capsicum (pepper spray)Capsicum (pepper spray) Dibenzoxazepine (CR)Dibenzoxazepine (CR)

Clinical symptoms include:Clinical symptoms include: Eyes and throat: burning, irritation, tearingEyes and throat: burning, irritation, tearing Respiratory: distress, coughing, choking, difficulty Respiratory: distress, coughing, choking, difficulty

breathingbreathing Digestive: nausea and vomiting, if in high concentrationsDigestive: nausea and vomiting, if in high concentrations

IRRITATING AGENTSIRRITATING AGENTS

T-D-ST-D-S

EXPLOSIVE INCIDENTSEXPLOSIVE INCIDENTS

Explosives used in 77% of U.S. incidentsExplosives used in 77% of U.S. incidents

Public safety agencies FIND only 20%Public safety agencies FIND only 20%

Residential properties common U.S. targetsResidential properties common U.S. targets

EXPLOSIVE INCIDENTSEXPLOSIVE INCIDENTS

78% of terrorist bombs detonated or ignited78% of terrorist bombs detonated or ignited

22% failed to function as designed22% failed to function as designed

4% were preceded by a warning or threat4% were preceded by a warning or threat

BOMB THREATSBOMB THREATS

Telephone bomb threats are most commonTelephone bomb threats are most common

All bomb threats should be considered All bomb threats should be considered “real.”“real.”

E-mail threats are more difficult to trace.E-mail threats are more difficult to trace.

EVACUATION CRITERIAEVACUATION CRITERIA

Pre-planned evacuation/assembly area Have an alternate assembly point Prior to use check evac area for suspect items If any suspect item or vehicle is present, use

alternate assembly point Use terrain features or solid objects as

shielding If evacuating inside a structure go to farthest

lateral point at least several floors below the device.

EVACUATION CRITERIAEVACUATION CRITERIA

Avoid areas with flammable/hazmat, windowsAvoid areas with flammable/hazmat, windows Take a roll call and account for absenteesTake a roll call and account for absentees 300 ft. from small devices if you have shielding300 ft. from small devices if you have shielding 1000 ft. minimum from large devices in the open1000 ft. minimum from large devices in the open Large device or vehicle bomb is suspected: >1000 Large device or vehicle bomb is suspected: >1000

ft.ft.

EXPLOSIVESEXPLOSIVESDefinitionDefinition

Any substance, article or device designed Any substance, article or device designed to function by an extremely rapid to function by an extremely rapid

release of gas and heat. release of gas and heat.

For our purposes, if it goes “boom”, it’s a For our purposes, if it goes “boom”, it’s a bomb.bomb.

EXPLOSIVES/INCENDIARY EXPLOSIVES/INCENDIARY RecapRecap

IED’s and incendiary devices are designed and IED’s and incendiary devices are designed and assembled to explode and cause firesassembled to explode and cause fires

Explosions cause fires, and fires cause Explosions cause fires, and fires cause explosions!explosions!

Explosions release gas and heatExplosions release gas and heat IED’s are designed to kill and terrorizeIED’s are designed to kill and terrorize IED’s affect both structures and peopleIED’s affect both structures and people Bombings are the most likely terrorist attacks Bombings are the most likely terrorist attacks Bombs usually work as designedBombs usually work as designed Always Evacuate after any explosionAlways Evacuate after any explosion The potential for secondary devices is real!The potential for secondary devices is real!

T-D-ST-D-S

SCENE CONTROLSCENE CONTROL

Public safety will coordinate incident responsePublic safety will coordinate incident response Take control until “cavalry’s” arrival Take control until “cavalry’s” arrival Assist individuals in harm’s way to safetyAssist individuals in harm’s way to safety Deny entry to unauthorized personnelDeny entry to unauthorized personnel Establish perimeters and operational zonesEstablish perimeters and operational zones Learn and initiate Incident Command SystemLearn and initiate Incident Command System Establish a safe refuge for the publicEstablish a safe refuge for the public

Begin media controlBegin media control

If you witness suspicious activity or eventsIf you witness suspicious activity or events::

Touch nothingTouch nothing Evacuate the area immediately Evacuate the area immediately Leave emergency response to Leave emergency response to

the professionalsthe professionals Be alertBe alert Don’t become a victim!Don’t become a victim!

FEMA Rapid Response Information SystemFEMA Rapid Response Information Systemhttp://www.rris.fema.govhttp://www.rris.fema.gov

ERT-Independent StudyERT-Independent Study http://www.fema.gov/ishome.htmhttp://www.fema.gov/ishome.htm

Red Cross Disaster Counseling MaterialsRed Cross Disaster Counseling Materialshttp://www.redcross.org/services/disaster/keepsafe/unhttp://www.redcross.org/services/disaster/keepsafe/un

expected.htmlexpected.html

VDEM Terrorism Preparedness PageVDEM Terrorism Preparedness Pagehttp://www.state.va.us/prepare/terrorism.cfmhttp://www.state.va.us/prepare/terrorism.cfm

Information on the Information on the WebWeb

AcknowledgementsAcknowledgementsAssociated PressAssociated Press

Fairfax County Emergency ManagementFairfax County Emergency Management

Federal Bureau of InvestigationFederal Bureau of Investigation

Federal Emergency Management AgencyFederal Emergency Management Agency

National Broadcasting CompanyNational Broadcasting Company

ReutersReuters

Texas A&M University Domestic Preparedness CampusTexas A&M University Domestic Preparedness Campus

U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense (USAMRICD)U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense (USAMRICD)

U.S. Navy Bureau of Medicine and SurgeryU.S. Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery

United States Postal Inspection ServiceUnited States Postal Inspection Service

VA Department of Emergency Management VA Department of Emergency Management

Virginia Task Force OneVirginia Task Force One

Washington PostWashington Post

RESPONSE TO TERRORISMRESPONSE TO TERRORISM

““Courage is not the absence of fear, but being Courage is not the absence of fear, but being

able to do what is right in the presence of it.”able to do what is right in the presence of it.”