Local Officials: Stay Alert For Terrorism
Pilot News Staff Report
PLYMOUTH � Kent Borggren, interim director of the Marshall County Emergency Management Agency, said local residents need to prepare for a terrorist attack the same way they would prepare for a natural disaster such as a tornado.
Borggren said, on 9/11, Americans realized this country is not immune to acts of terrorism. Although the devastating attacks left the public concerned about the possibility of future incidents and the potential impact, many people are still unaware of what to do in the event of a terrorist attack.
In fact, there are things that can be done to prepare for the unexpected and to help maintain a measure of control should another emergency arise. There are simple steps to take to be prepared for a terrorist attack. The best protection is to be well informed and prepared.
Borggren said every American must play a role in preparedness when it comes to terrorism and all other types of natural disasters.
What You Can Do
�Stay informed about serious threats.
�Keep emergency phone numbers near the phone.
�Develop a detailed household communication plan to follow in the event of an emergency.
�Choose an out-of-state friend or relative to be your family contact. All family members should know how to get in touch with the contact.
�Assemble a disaster supply kit in an easy-to-carry container. The kit should include: a battery-operated radio, flashlights, extra batteries, non-perishable food, water, duct tape, scissors, plastic sheeting for doors and windows, first aid kit, prescription medications, toilet articles, a change of clothes for all family members, and sleeping bags.
�Keep a half-tank of gas in your car at all times in case you are told to evacuate immediately.
�Check with school officials to determine their plans for an emergency and procedures to reunite children with parents and caregivers. Local schools have had procedures in place for many years to deal with terrorist acts.
�Be prepared to do without normal services that may be disrupted � electricity, telephone, natural gas, gas pumps, cash registers, ATM machines and Internet transactions.
�Enroll in a first aid or AED/CPR course at your local American Red Cross chapter.
Borggren said Hoosiers need to be ready, not afraid.
The Department of Homeland Security�s �Ready Campaign� seeks to help American families be better prepared for even unlikely emergency scenarios.
Experts know, from intelligence reports ,that terrorists are working to obtain biological, chemical, and radiological weapons, and the threat of an attack is real.
One of the primary mandates of the Departments of homeland Security is to educate the public on a continuing basis, about how to be prepared in case of a national emergency, including a possible terrorist attack.
For more information: On the Internet:
www.fema.gov/areyouready/
Or call (800) BE-READY for printed information. You can also call (800) 480-2520 and order a copy of the Federal Emergency Management Agency�s publication �Are You Ready? A Guide to Citizen Preparedness.�
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