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| Terrorism
Our
lives were changed overnight by
the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Faced with new
threats, it’s more important than ever to think ahead
and have a plan.
Our
imaginations can create scary scenarios, but visiting
those thoughts can make them less scary, even if it’s
only a little less so.
We
fear the unknown, but by at
least contemplating
the unknown, we can make some measure of preparation for
dealing with it, should it ever become reality.
Better
yet, we may find ourselves so bolstered by the planning
that we not only see the possibility of survival,
but embrace the possibility of emerging from the
ordeal stronger than
ever.
Acts of
terrorism take many forms.
A common one is bombs. It's unlikely you'll ever find
yourself in a situation where you face the possibility of
explosions, but recent bombings of public transportation
and tourist hotels make it imperative that you think about
how to protect yourself.
If you're caught near an explosion of any
type, here's what to do:
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Hit the
dirt, fast! You may have a second or two between
seeing the flash and the bang of the concussion. |
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Get as low
as possible. This helps you avoid being hit by
shrapnel. Indoors, staying low helps avoid smoke and
toxic gases. |
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Dive behind
something solid. This offers protection against
flying debris. |
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Beware of
secondary explosions. Terrorists sometimes
detonate a second bomb, often after rescuers arrive. |
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Know your
exits. If you're in a public building, hotel, or
public transportation, know how to get out. |
| Angle your
way through a crowd. A panicked sea of people will
move you right along with it, so never try to go
against the crowd. To gain ground, move at an angle,
edging your way between people. |
If you're trapped
in the debris of an explosion, stay put and try to remain
calm while waiting for rescuers. Move as little as
possible, tap on something to alert rescuers to your
location, and don't shout if you don't have to so you
don't breathe dust.
Don't get
crushed by the crowd! If you
find yourself being crushed by people -- and only if
you're being crushed to where you can't breathe -- then
assume the position. That is:
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Crouch down,
put your head down and protect it with your hands. |
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Use your elbows
to protect your ribs. |
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Lean on your
arms. This gives you air space so you can breathe. And
you allow yourself room to crawl and move. |
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Round your
back. If someone falls on you, they'll roll off of you
rather than crush you. |
Being
prepared for terrorism or disasters
does not automatically make you a survivalist. I
bring up this point only because the term can have
negative connotations, and I don’t want people to think
negatively about being prepared.
You’re
not crazy, kooky, nutso, or "out there" because
you’re thinking ahead and
making plans. To me, it doesn’t make
you a survivalist, but it does help make
you a survivor.
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Rx For
Bio-Terrorism?
The CDC and infectious
disease MDs who are experts in bioterrorism advise against
stockpiling antibiotics and self-treating. If you're
concerned and want advice, talk with your doctor.
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Dodging the Bullet
-- How to Be a Difficult Target
* Move fast. It's harder
to hit a moving target.
* Stay low. Make
yourself as small a target as possible.
* Don't lie on hard
surfaces. Bullets can ricochet at you.
* Do lie on soft
surfaces, like grass or sand.
* Launch yourself in
unexpected directions. It's harder to hit an
unpredictable moving target.
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