Thursday, January 17, 2002
Terrorist Attack Response and Preparedness - Personal Safety XIIILos Angeles: The United States of America has entered an era where in we are subject to terrorist attack. Unfortunately, terrorism usually takes the form of bombings, hijackings, biological, and/or chemical attacks. Because acts of terrorism are unusual, education and pre-planning are the keys to preparedness.
In the event of a terrorist attack, the following should be considered
- Do Not Touch, Cover, or Move Any Type of Device!
- Be aware of possible secondary devices.
- Conduct evacuations as necessary.
- Notify your local law enforcement agency or the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
If you are in a building or structure, particularly a high-rise building, that is a target of terrorist activity, consider the following:
- During the initial attack, you should seek cover under desks or tables. If these items are not readily available, move against an interior wall and protect your head with your arms. Move away from windows and balconies.
- Do not use elevators and don’t be surprised if sprinkler systems or alarms or activated.
- If you are able, immediately evacuate the area and move to a safe location. Leave search rescue activities to responding authorities. Know where the emergency exits are located.
- During evacuation procedures, immediately move away from the targeted location and seek shelter inside a secure area. Glass windows and other building materials may be dislodged and may fall outwards several hundred feet.
- If you are outdoors near the targeted location during the initial attack, duck behind an item that will provide you cover, such as a tree or doorway, and get down as low as possible.
- Consider the possibility of additional attacks or secondary explosions.
Managers of businesses located in high-rise buildings should develop an evacuation plan and ensure that all employees are familiar with its procedures. They should also consider implementing a floor warden system, where each floor has an individual responsible for overseeing evacuation and emergency procedures.
Officer Guillermo Campos, Media Relations Section prepared this press release. For further information regarding this release, please contact Media Relations Section at 213-485-3586.