WHAT TO PREPARE FOR (cont.)

Terrorist attacks have left many concerned about the possibility of future incidents in the United States and their potential impact.  Terrorist goals are to destabilize government and panic citizens.  They try to keep us guessing about what might happen next, increasing our worries.  However, there are things you and your family can do to prepare for the unexpected.  This can reduce the stress that you may feel now and later should another emergency arise.  Being prepared ahead of time can reassure you and your children that you can have a measure of control even in the face of such events.

Homeland Security Advisory System:  The Homeland Security Advisory System is shown here. Please refer to this color-coded chart when officials issue a security alert. Appropriate safety instructions will accompany an alert.

Possible terrorist acts include:

Bombs and other Explosive Devices:  One example is a car bomb like those used in the Middle East and against U.S. Embassies in Kenya and Tanzania or against the U.S.S. Cole in Yemen.  Airliners full of fuel caused the bomb-like destruction at the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.  Bombs can even be sent by mail.

Biological Agents: In another type of terrorism, the terrorist tries to frighten us with serious or life-threatening illness, such as Anthrax.  Other types of biological agents could threaten some of our food supply.

Anthrax is an infectious disease caused by bacteria in the form of tiny spores.  It takes many of these spores to make a person sick.  Anthrax cannot be transmitted from person to person.  It is usually in a powdery or crystalline form when spread by a terrorist.  It can also come from infected hoofed animals such as cattle.

If diagnosed early enough Anthrax can successfully be treated with antibiotics.  If you have reason to think you or anyone in your family has been exposed, call your doctor or health center immediately.  You can be tested and then treated.

 
 
 

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