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Homeland Security and the safety of our employees and their families are priorities for the Council on Foreign Relations. We created this video and pamphlet to help others prepare for a terrorist attack or other emergencies, based on our experience and expertise at the Council.
The Council’s message is this: don’t get scared, get prepared.
Here are some practical ways to get prepared at work and at home.
What to Expect:
- There are five types of possible attacks: conventional, chemical, biological, radioactive “dirty bombs” and/or nuclear.
- Conventional attacks, like the Oklahoma City bombing or suicide bombers are usually done with explosives that cause localized damage – destroying, for example, a bus, one building or a single city block.
- Chemical attacks will use chemicals and poisons and will generally affect only the area where they are dispersed.
- Biological attacks will use weaponized viruses, natural toxins or bacteria. Some toxins, like anthrax, will only affect those immediately exposed but contagious viruses like smallpox would spread from person to person.
- A radiological attack or "dirty bomb" could cause damage from both the initial blast of the explosive used to spread the radioactive material and from high levels of exposure to radiation. This kind of attack could harm people in the immediate vicinity due to the destructive energy from the conventional explosives. Some of those who are nearby and escape harm from the blast can suffer from exposure to radiation. In the long run, cancer rates might increase in the area surrounding the attack but the primary consequence of these weapons will be to create a “no-mans land” in the contaminated area, which could prove extremely destructive should it take place in the heart of an urban area.
- A nuclear attack would cause far more damage from both the explosive force and high doses of radiation than would a “dirty bomb.” Deaths from the explosive force could number in the tens of thousands, with additional lives lost in the surrounding area caused by exposure to high doses of radiation.
- No matter what form the attack, if you are alerted, the first thing to do is get inside a building. Buildings are safer than automobiles or being out on the street.
COMPANY PREPAREDNESS
Starting Off Points:
- Companies need to create a plan for how to respond to an emergency. Talk with management and staff about their departments’ responsibilities and each individual’s responsibilities in case of an emergency.
- Staff also should be instructed on how to report an emergency and how to evacuate the building safely if necessary.
- There should be designated “first responders” on staff. First responders are the people in charge of initiating all emergency procedures.
- It is also important to make sure your institution’s first responders are able to communicate with one another. The Council has accomplished this with battery operated two-way radios.
You also need to make sure certain systems are in place and functional in case of an emergency. Below is a list of equipment and procedures your facilities staff and department heads should be aware of.
Building Services:
- Fire suppression and detection systems must be fully operational.
- Fire extinguishers need to have a full charge and be checked regularly.
- HVAC systems (heating ventilation and air conditioning): all maintenance personnel need to know how to shut these down if instructed or advised to do so.
- Building’s filtration system is very important and should have HEPA-type filters (high efficiency particulate air filters) to block dangerous particulates from entering into fresh air intake systems.
Emergency Lighting Systems:
- Automatic transfer switches should be working, so that you can switch to battery operation if there is electrical failure. These systems must be tested regularly.
- Make sure batteries for the backup system are fully charged.
Mailroom Procedures:
- The Council uses the guidelines set up by U.S. Postal Service for detecting suspicious packages or mail. For example, the Mailroom staff checks all mail for possible suspicious characteristics, such as inaccurate addressee name, letters/packages that have excessive or inadequate amounts of postage, letters/packages that feel rigid, appear uneven or unusually shaped, have soft spots or bulges, or make a sloshing sound.
Information Services:
- Analog lines should serve as a back up to T-1 lines.
- Predetermine and preset the analog lines for those who will serve as command and control in an emergency.
- Emergency phone lists: keep electronic and paper copies of home numbers for staff, family, vendors and all necessary numbers needed for day-to-day business.
- Copy and paste the contact information from the electronic version of your phone lists to a Memo Pad entry in you Palm Pilots or other PDAs.
- Set up an interactive emergency information website for staff and family to leave messages and get current status reports on building operations, shut downs, etc.
- The website should provide a public area “bulletin board” for staff members to leave messages for one another and a private area “bulletin board” for staff and family members to leave messages for one another.
- The website should also provide institution-specific information (e.g. health insurance information) and website links for transportation, news and emergency management.
Finance:
- It is important to have a company cash reserve as banks and ATMs may not be functioning.
- If we need to evacuate the Council, our finance staff takes the emergency cash fund with them to advance employees cash to get home, buy groceries, medicines or other needs.
- Advise your employees that they should keep a personal cash reserve at home. The Council has arranged for employees to borrow against their salary up to one pay period.
Sheltering in Place:
- Companies need to be prepared for employees and guests or visitors to shelter in the building for several days with adequate food and water. (see emergency supply kit information below for further details)
- The N-95 dust mask has been recommended to keep particulates out of your respiratory system. They will not necessarily block chemical or biological agents but will protect your lungs from large quantities of dust produced by an explosion. This will make it easier to get to a relocation site.
Company Emergency Supply Kits:
Your company should have an emergency kit with enough supplies to last for three days. In the event you must leave your shelter, it is a good idea to have a mobile “to-go” kit. The kit should include the following items:
- Battery powered radio/television with extra batteries.
- Flashlight with extra batteries.
- A first aid kit, fully up to date. Check expiration dates.
- Non-perishable food that will not require heat or water to prepare. Include a can opener and other necessary utensils.
- Water. One gallon per person per day. Not just for drinking but also for sanitation purposes as well.
- Blankets or sleeping bags.
- Important documents stored in an airtight and waterproof container. These documents should include such items as all staff contact numbers and lists of next-of-kin, insurance information and beneficiaries. If possible, scan important documents on a disk and keep in another location.
- Cash.
- Sanitation supplies like toilet tissue, disinfectant, bleach, etc.
- If the company does not plan on providing any of the above items they should notify their employees so that staff can make their own provisions.
Staff Emergency Supply Kits:
The company should advise staff to bring the following items to work to create an individualized emergency supply kit:
- Special needs items: medicines, prescriptions, glasses, walkers or wheelchairs, etc.
- Change of clothing, including wet weather gear and comfortable shoes.
- List of all important contact numbers: friends, family, etc.
Aftermath of an Emergency:
- If applicable, offer resources for trauma counseling.
- Decide on your organization’s policy for staff attendance problems related to the emergency, especially if public transportation has been disrupted.
INDIVIDUAL PREPAREDNESS
Along with company preparations, there are some additional steps people should take to prepare their homes and families in case of an emergency.
Starting Off Points:
- Your first instinct might be to rush to loved ones. Don’t. If you’re not in the crosshairs of the event, stay where you are.
- Create a plan with your family members so that you know where your spouse/children will be (work, school, business trip) and the best ways to contact them. Contact may be through one “point person,” or through a company website (as described above).
- Keep an emergency phone list. You should have electronic and paper copies of contact numbers for family, friends and local stores. Make sure to transfer a version of this to your PDA so that you have the list available wherever you go.
Personal Finances:
- You should keep a personal cash reserve at home. The Council has arranged for employees to borrow against their salary up to one pay period.
- Decide how much cash you need for a few days, up to a week.
Sheltering in Place:
- You need to be prepared for family and guests or visitors to shelter in your home for several days with adequate food and water. (see emergency supply kit information below for further details)
Home Emergency Supply Kit
You will need an emergency supply kit for your home with enough supplies to last for three days. In the event you must leave your shelter, it is a good idea to have a mobile “to-go” kit. Below is a list of relevant items:
- Battery powered radio/television with extra batteries.
- Flashlight with extra batteries.
- Special needs items: medicines, prescriptions, glasses, walkers or wheelchairs, etc.
- A first aid kit, fully up to date. Check expiration dates.
- Change of clothing, including wet weather gear and comfortable shoes.
- Non-perishable food that will not require heat or water to prepare. Include a can opener and other necessary utensils.
- Water. One gallon per person per day. Not just for drinking but also for sanitation purposes as well.
- Sleeping bag or blankets.
- Important documents stored in an airtight and waterproof container. If possible, scan important documents on a disk and keep in another location.
- Cash.
- Sanitation supplies like toilet tissue, disinfectant, bleach, etc.
- Whistle.
- Extra set of car keys and full tank of gas.
- Fully-charged cell phone.
- Get informed about what supplies your company will have at work for you and be sure to bring in any other items you think you will need.
USEFUL WEBSITES FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
Federal Emergency Management Agency
www.fema.gov
American Red Cross
www.redcross.org
White House Office of Homeland Security
www.whitehouse.gov/homeland
www.ready.gov
U.S. Department of Health
www.hhs.gov
Centers for Disease Control
www.cdc.gov
Council on Foreign Relations: Terrorism: Questions and Answers
www.terrorismanswers.org
