Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
Table 11.5 gives you an idea of vulnerable areas in your jurisdiction that should
be included in the planning process.
Various criteria may be used in determining the vulnerability of facilities to terror-
ist attack. In evaluating the vulnerability of facilities, state and local planners need to
consider the existing security measures in place and the need, if any, to upgrade security.
In addition, the FBI has a standard vulnerability assessment paradigm that
can be used for evaluating the vulnerabilities of potential targets. As a planner,
you should also be aware that once target lists and vulnerability information are
developed, careful decisions must be made regarding security considerations for
handling this information based on applicable state and federal law regarding con-
fidentiality and public information. Even when laws do not require strict confiden-
tiality, you should use common sense regarding whether information that could be
useful to terrorists should be made available.
Initial Warning
While specific events may vary, the emergency response and protocol followed
should remain consistent. When an overt WMD incident has occurred, the initial
call for help will likely come through the local 911 center. This caller may or may
not identify the incident as a terrorist incident, but may state only that there was an
explosion, a major accident, or a mass casualty event. Information relayed through
the dispatcher prior to the arrival of first responders on scene, as well as the initial
assessment, will provide first responders with the basic information necessary to
begin responding to the incident.
With increased awareness and training about terrorist incidents, first responders
should recognize that a terrorist incident has occurred. The information provided
in this chapter applies where it becomes obvious or strongly suspected that an inci-
dent has been intentionally perpetrated to harm people, compromise the public's
safety and wellbeing, disrupt essential government services, or damage the area's
economy or environment.
You need to be aware of the likely occurrence of false warnings. Since these cannot
be ignored, they must be investigated, resulting in wasted resources and psychological
stress. You should develop procedures and training to deal with such threats.
Initial Detection
The initial detection of a WMD terrorist attack will likely occur at the local level by
either first responders or private entities (e.g., hospitals, corporations). Consequently,
first responders, the business community—both public and private—should be
trained to identify hazardous agents and to take appropriate actions. State and local
health departments, as well as local emergency first responders, will be relied upon
