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Hazards in Austin — Before A Disaster During A Disaster — After A Disaster BEFORE TERRORISM   Mounted police monitor activities near the Capitol Due to the unpredictable nature of terrorism, there is very little you can to do to prevent an attack. The most effective preventive activities are best implemented by local authorities. However, there are four important preparedness activities that everyone can do: Prepare your family for any effects of terrorism, such as a power outage or fire. Prepare your community for any effects of terrorism by volunteering. Be vigilant and report any suspicious activities. Stay healthy to help resist any public health threats. The details are described below: 1. Prepare your family for any effects of terrorism, such as a power outage or fire: Prepare a family disaster plan. Assemble a disaster supplies kit and evacuation pack. Be sure to include: Duct tape and plastic sheeting pre-cut for your windows in case of a chemical emergency (see our shelter in place web page.) Filter masks (also called particulate respirators) with an N95 rating for each family member. When fit properly, these masks filter out dust and smoke and can reduce the exposure for several inhalable chemical and biological agents. Home improvement and hardware stores sell the masks which cost under $5. Store masks in an air-tight bag or container. These masks will not reduce exposure against chemical and biological agents that are absorbed through other modes of entry such as the skin. A battery-powered radio or NOAA all hazards/weather radio with extra batteries for emergency information. There will likely be NO WARNING before a terrorist attack. Install smoke detectors, check them once a month, and change the batteries at least once a year. Install Class ABC multi-purpose portable dry chemical fire extinguishers in your garage and kitchen and teach family members how to use them. 2. Prepare your community for any effects of terrorism by volunteering: The President has asked that Americans give 2,000 hours of volunteer time to help strengthen our homeland. There are many volunteer organizations across Austin for every type of volunteer. Visit our volunteer web page to learn more about OEM's volunteer opportunities. 3. Be vigilant and report any suspicious activities: If you witness or suspect an imminent terrorist attack, call 9-1-1. Report any suspicious activities or information that could help an investigation to the Austin Police Department or FBI. Be aware of your surroundings, as the very nature of terrorism suggests that there may be little or no warning. Think ahead about how to evacuate a building or congested public area in a hurry. 4. Stay healthy to help resist any public health threats: Maintain hygiene like you would to prevent spreading the flu or cold (e.g. frequent hand washing). There is no need to hoard medicine for biological agents. In the event of a public health emergency, local and state health departments will inform the public about the actions individuals need to take. On the other hand, make sure you have enough of your prescription medications on hand to last you for 72 hours after a disaster. Make sure your family's immunizations and flu shots are current. Donate blood to help maintain the community supply. According to the Centers for Disease Control, the exposure to cross-contaminated mail is very low, but here are some actions that might reduce the risk even further: Do not open suspicious mail Keep mail way from your face when you open it Do not sniff or blow on mail or mail contents Avoid vigorous handling of mail, such as tearing or shredding Wash your hands after handling the mail RELATED PUBLICATIONS Terrorism forces us to make a choice. Don't be afraid... BE READY Ready.Gov by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Simple things you can do now to prepare yourself and your loved ones. Terrorism— Preparing for the Unexpected by the American Red Cross Things you can do to prepare for the unexpected. Are You Ready? A Guide to Citizen Preparedness (PDF format) by FEMA A comprehensive guide to personal emergency preparedness to help individuals prepare themselves and their families for disasters. (You will need the free Adobe Acrobat Reader to view) Respirator Fact Sheet: What You Should Know In Deciding Whether To Buy Escape Hoods, Gas Masks, Or Other Respirators For Preparedness At Home And Work by CDC Information on what respirators are, how they work, and what is needed for a respirator to provide protection. Aircraft traveling tips and restrictions by the Transportation Security Administration: National Immunization Program by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Lots of information about vaccine safety, childhood and adolescent immunization schedules, why everyone should immunize and more. OVC Handbook for Coping After Terrorism: A Guide to Healing and Recovery by U.S. Department of Justice, Office for Victims of Crime Information to help you understand your reactions to an act of terrorism or mass violence. Terrorist Attacks and Children by the National Center for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) How children react to trauma and what you can do to help them. Includes links to more web sites that discuss this issue. Hazards in Austin — Before A Disaster During A Disaster — After A Disaster Police photo courtesy of the City of Austin. Anthracis photo courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control / Dr. Sherif Zaki, Dr. Kathi Tatti and Elizabeth White.