police lights

Responding to a Terrorist Attack

REMEMBER

  • Threats of terror have both domestic and foreign origins
  • Odds of terrorist attack are roughly 1 in 20 million
  • Attacks vary widely in size and type of weapon (bomb, gun, vehicle, etc.)
  • If you ever are in doubt about a situation, call 911

RECOGNIZING SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY:

  • Nervous or suspicious individual(s)
  • Abandoned vehicles
  • Inappropriately oversized clothing (heavy coats on a warm day)
  • Burning or strange odors
  • Large misplaced bag(s)
  • People monitoring or recording surveillance equipment
  • People seeking access to sensitive security procedures or operations
  • People attempting to impersonate staff

IF YOU DETECT A SUSPICIOUS INDIVIDUAL OR SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY:

  • Try to ascertain as many facts as you can, including how many people are involved, any vehicles involved, and whether or not they appear to have any weapons or concealed objects
  • Call 911 and notify them of your suspicions, providing the above information if prompted
  • Follow their instructions and monitor the situation

IF YOUR FACILITY IS ATTACKED OR RESIDES NEAR A TERRORIST ATTACK:

  • Remain calm and refer to your emergency response plans
  • Follow any instructions given by police or other emergency services
  • If your facility is attacked specifically, check yourself and others for injuries and provide aid if possible
  • If your facility is not directly involved, stay away from the scene
  • Listen to media broadcasts to monitor the situation and direct evacuations or lockdown if necessary
  • Allow staff onsite to call family members and inform them they are safe, but do not call again unless it is an emergency to keep lines clear