Contra Costa County CERT Program

Unit 8 – Terrorism AwarenessReleased: 18 August 2011Released: 18 August 2011

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Community Emergency Response Team

Personal safety is ALWAYS the number one priority Work as a team Wear personal protective equipment…gloves, helmet,

goggles, N95 mask and boots

The CERT goal is to do the

Greatest Good for the Greatest Number Hope for the best but plan for the worst

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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

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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

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Terrorism Domestic International

S.L.A.

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Terrorist Goals

Mass casualties Loss of critical resources Disruption of vital services Disruption of the economy Individual and mass panic

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Terrorist Targets

Seats of government Key industries Bridges, subways,

tunnels, and other key transportation facilities

Water supplies and utilities

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Terrorist Weapons

BiologicalNuclearRadiological IncendiaryChemicalExplosive

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Biological Weapons

Targets: People Animals Crops

Routes of exposure: Inhalation Ingestion Absorption

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Biological Weapons

Bioterrorism Weapons: Bacteria - Anthrax Viruses - Ebola / Small Pox Toxins – Botulism, ricin

Agents: May take days or weeks to be confirmed May spread far beyond initial

contamination point Considered high risk

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Nuclear Weapons

Much different than conventional weapons: Many casualties Very large area affected Long-term health effects

Derives destructive force from nuclear reaction Affected area gets larger as contaminated objects

spread Potential for casualties extends beyond initial

attack Long-term effects difficult to monitor and track Considered low but increasing risk

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Radiation Dispersal Devices

Conventional explosive with radioactive element Radiological materials readily available

Hospitals, medical and dental offices Considered moderate to high risk

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Incendiary Devices (Firebombs)

Used to initiate combustion

Easy to make Easy to use Low impact

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Chemical Agents

Five types Blister agents (Mustard) Blood agents (Cyanide) Choking agents (Chlorine) Nerve agents (Sarin) Riot-control agents (CS/ CN)

Components readily available Onset of symptoms from immediate to 18 hours Considered moderate risk

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Conventional Explosives

Terrorists “weapons of choice” Car Bombs Pipe Bombs Letter Bombs, etc.

Can be: Military munitions Improvised explosive devices (IED)

Considered high risk

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Galvanized Pipe Bomb Video

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Self-Care During Terrorist Incidents

At the incident: Get upwind and uphill

Lead others Limit exposure time Increase the distance from the hazard Add shielding

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Establishing Zones

“Cold Zone”Safe Area

“Warm Zone”Evacuation & Decontamination Area

“Hot Zone”

Incident

Contaminated Area

Wind Direction

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CERTs and Terrorist Incidents

IF YOU FIND A SUSPICIOUS PACKAGE:

Do 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!

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Terrorism Indicators

Environmental indicators: Sick or dead animals, fish, or birds Unscheduled spraying Vapor clouds or mists Absence of crops, wildlife, or insects

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Terrorism 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

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Terrorism Indicators

Physical indicators: Many casualties without signs of obvious trauma Victims who are exhibiting similar symptoms Large numbers seeking medical attention

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CERT Response To Terrorism

During terrorist events, help people get to safety and leave resolution to professional responders !!!

Terrorism scenes are also crime scenes!

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Preparing for Terrorism

Assemble 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

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Shelter-in-Place Procedures

Shut off Heating and A/C 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 AM/FM radio for all clear

Ventilate room once contaminants are gone

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Protection from Radioactive Fallout

Go deep inside a building (distance/shielding)

Stay inside (time)Stay tuned

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Basic Decontamination Procedures

Leave the contaminated area Take decontamination action

Remove everything Wash hands before using

them to shower Shower or flush with cool

water Blot dry

Report for decontamination

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Treating Others

First priority for a CERT member is personal safety Take self-protective measures only Do not attempt to treat victims in

contaminated area Listen for official Public Health

Advisories about decontamination procedures

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CERT Guiding Principles

Always do a thorough sizeup Step 1…Gather facts

• What are the dangers? Step 2…Assess your situation

• What are team capabilities?

• What are team limitations? Step 3…Develop a plan of action Step 4…Take action and evaluate

Team safety is the number one priority

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Local Terrorist Targets

List:

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Questions

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Unit Summary

Terrorism goals Potential targets in the community CERT operating procedures for a terrorist incident Actions to take following a suspected terrorist incident