Terrorism:
A Guide to Domestic Preparedness
Brochure: Panels 1 2 3 4 5 6
This
brochure is available on the following websites:
Orange County residents are protected by
our local law enforcement, fire, public health and emergency medical personnel. The following information will help you prepare
in the event of a disaster or an act of terrorism.
POSSIBLE TERRORIST THREATS
A possible terrorist attack may take several forms, including a biological, chemical or
radiological incident, an explosion or even a
nuclear event.
When the first sign of a threat or event is the
occurrence of human illness or injury, it is the public health disease investigators, physicians,
microbiologists, paramedics, fire and law enforcement personnel who are the first line of defense.
It is important for you to know that Orange County’s public safety personnel, public health services and emergency medical systems have years of experience, and a close relationship which ensures the highest level of services in the event of a terrorist threat. Should additional resources be necessary, we know that we can call upon our neighboring counties, the State of California, military partners and other federal resources. For example, if needed, large federal supplies of vaccines and antibiotics will be made available to our community.
In the event of an attack, government officials will instruct residents on what actions they are taking and what actions the public should take. It’s important that you remain calm and
cooperate fully with local officials.
In the event of a
biological, chemical or
radiological incident,
instructions on
personal protection,
decontamination and health warnings will
be provided by public health and safety
officials through
broadcasts over radio
and television, as well
as in the print media.
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BEFORE
The public also has a role in reducing the impact of terrorism on their lives.
Learn about the nature of terrorism
• Terrorists look for visible targets where they can avoid detection, such as international airports, large cities, major public events, resorts and high-profile landmarks.
• Report any suspicious activities to
your local law enforcement agency,
the Orange County Sheriff-Coroner
Department or the Orange County
Intelligence Assessment Center.
Adapt, as appropriate, the same techniques used to prepare for earthquakes, fires and other emergencies.
• Be prepared and observe your
environment. Terrorists most often
strike with little or no warning
• Use caution when you travel. Observe and report unusual activity. Keep your packages with you at all times. Do not accept packages from strangers.
• Locate stairways and emergency
exits and develop plans for
evacuating buildings and
crowded public areas.
• Learn about the emergency response plan at your child’s school.
• Develop a family emergency plan.
If you live or work in multilevel buildings:
• Identify the location of fire exits and review and practice emergency
evacuation procedures.
• Locate and maintain fire extinguishers in working order and learn how to use them.
• Obtain training in first aid and CPR.
Assemble and maintain an emergency supply kit for your home that includes those items listed in this brochure.
• Also, compile essential personal emergency preparedness items for your car and workspace.
DURING
What should you do?
• Remain calm.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Activate your Family Preparedness Plan.
• Stay informed.
• If an evacuation is ordered, follow the instructions of local officials
regarding evacuation routes and the location of shelters.
• If shelter-in-place is recommended,
local officials will provide instructions on necessary actions.
• Do not leave your sheltered location or return to
the evacuated area until it is deemed safe to do so
by local officials.
If there's an explosion:
• Remain calm. Take cover under a desk or sturdy
table if ceiling tiles, bookshelves, their contents, etc., begin
to fall.
• Exit the building as quickly as possible.
If there's a fire:
• Stay low to the floor at all times and exit the building as quickly as possible. Heavy smoke and poisonous gases
collect near the ceiling first.
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• Use a wet cloth to cover your nose and mouth.
• Use the back of your hand to feel closed
doors. If the door is not hot, brace yourself against
the door and open it slowly. Do not open the door if
it is hot. Seek another escape route.
• Use appropriate fire exits, not elevators.
AFTER
If you are trapped in debris:
• If possible, use a flashlight or whistle
to signal rescuers regarding your location.
• Stay in your area so that you don't kick up dust. Cover your mouth with
a handkerchief or clothing.
• Tap on a pipe or wall so that rescuers can hear where you are.
• Shout only as a last
resort—shouting can cause a person to inhale
dangerous amounts of dust.
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PROTECTIVE
ACTIONS
Protective actions are actions we
take to safeguard our family members and ourselves from harm. The
most common emergency protective actions are evacuation and
shelter-in-place.
• Evacuation means to leave the
area of actual or potential hazard.
• Shelter-in-place means to stay
indoors. This includes additional precautions such as turning off
air-conditioning, ventilation systems and closing all windows and
doors.
EMERGENCY
SUPPLY KIT
Maintaining an emergency supply kit is a good idea for any
emergency. Individuals and organizations should be prepared
to be without assistance for a minimum of 72 hours.
• Battery-powered radio,
flashlights, batteries
• Whistle
• First aid kit and manual
• Hard hats, work gloves, goggles and dust masks
• Duct tape and plastic sheeting
• Fluorescent tape to rope off dangerous areas
• Water
• Food (canned, no-cook, packaged snacks)
• Manual can opener
• Cash and credit cards
• Change of clothing, rain gear, and sturdy shoes
• Blankets or sleeping bags
• Fire extinguisher (A-B-C type)
• Infant and feminine hygiene supplies
• Essential medicines and eyeglasses
• Names, addresses, and telephone numbers of doctors and pharmacy
• Food, water and medications for pets
• Large plastic bags for trash, waste, water protection
• Toilet paper and paper towels
• Charcoal grill or camp stove for outdoor cooking.
The front of many telephone
directories contain a handy First Aid and Survival Guide.
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6.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON PREPAREDNESS
Orange County Chapter American Red Cross
(714) 481-5300
County of Orange Health Care Agency
Health Information and Referral
(800) 564-8448
Orange County Fire Authority
(714) 573-6200
Contact your city's emergency management coordinator
or Sheriff's Department Emergency Management
(714) 628-7055
To report criminal or suspicious activity, contact your local law
enforcement agency or the Orange County Sheriff's Department
(714) 647-7000,
South County residents
(949) 770-6011 To report potential terrorist activity, contact the
Orange County Intelligence Assessment Center
(714) 628-3024
Federal Bureau of Investigation
(714) 542-8825
WEBSITES
www.ochealthinfo.com
(County of Orange Health Care Agency)
www.ocsd.org
(Orange County Sheriff's Department)
www.ocoa.org
(Orange County Operational Area)
www.ocgov.com
(County of Orange)
www.ociac.org
(Orange County Intelligence Assessment Center) www.ocfa.org
(Orange County Fire Authority)
www.readyoc.org
(ReadyOC)
www.ocgov.com
(County of Orange)
www.oc-redcross.org
(Orange County Chapter—American Red Cross)
www.oes.ca.gov
(California Office of Emergency Services)
www.ready.gov
(Department of Homeland Security)
www.bt.cdc.gov
(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
www.fbi.gov
(Federal Bureau of Investigation) Orange County Health
Care Agency
Juliette A. Poulson, RN, MN, Director
Orange County Fire Authority
Chip Prather, Fire Chief
Orange County Sheriff-Coroner
Michael S. Carona
Orange County District Attorney
Tony Rackauckas
—ACKNOWLEDGEMENT—
The Unified San Diego County
Emergency Services Organization and the County of San Diego Health
and Human Services Agency & Office of Disaster Preparedness
Brochure: Panels 1 2 3 4 5 6
DTP111 (Revised 6/2008)
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