Devastating acts such as the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon have left many concerned about the possibility of future incidents in the United States and their potential impact. These attacks have raised uncertainty about what might happen next. Terrorism may involve devastating acts using weapons of mass destruction ranging from chemical agents, biological hazards, a radiological or nuclear device, and other explosives. The primary objective of a terrorist is to create widespread fear. Nevertheless, there are things you can do to prepare for the unexpected and reduce the stress that you may feel now and later, should another emergency arise.

What is Terrorism?

As defined in Florida Statute 775.30, the term "terrorism" means an activity that:

1.

    A. Involves a violent act or an act dangerous to human life  

         which is a violation of the criminal laws of this state or

         of the United States;

                                               or

    B. Involves a violation of s. 815.06 (offenses against   

         computer users);

                                           and

2. Is intended to

• Intimidate, injure, or coerce a civilian population; 

• Influence the policy of a government by intimidation or coercion;

• Affect the conduct of government through destruction of property, assassination, murder, kidnapping, or aircraft piracy

“If You See Something, Say Something ™"

Realizing the important role that the American public plays in ensuring the safety and security of our nation, in July 2010, the Department of Homeland Security launched the “If You See Something, Say Something ™" public awareness campaign. The nationwide campaign is a simple is focused on raising the awareness of terrorism indicators or violent crime amongst the public and to emphasize the importance of reporting suspicious activity to the proper state and local law enforcement authorities. Effective because of it’s simplicity, “If You See Something, Say Something” is a grassroots approach to combating terrorism and works as a force multiplier by increasing the level of vigilance on the streets. As we go forward, the "If You See Something, Say Something" campaign will continue to expand partnerships, increase the availability of educational materials and outreach tools designed to help America's businesses, communities and citizens remain vigilant and play an active role in keeping the country safe. Homeland Security is a shared responsibility by us all and it is up to each of one of us to see ensure that responsibility is met.

To Report Suspicious Activity in

Brevard County

1-800-423-TIPS (8477)

 Before a Terrorist Attack Occurs:

• Have at least a 5 to 7 day Disaster Supplies Kit assembled.
• Create a shelter-in-place plan.
• Create an evacuation plan.

If a Terrorism-Related Event Happens:

• Stay calm and be patient.
• Listen to a local radio or television station for news and follow the instructions of emergency service personnel.
• Be vigilant. If the incident occurs near you, look out for secondary hazards such as falling debris or additional attacks.
• Check for injuries and summon help for seriously injured people.
• If the incident occurs near your home while you are there, check for damage using a flashlight. Do NOT use matches or turn on electrical switches.
• Check for fires, fire hazards and other household hazards.
• If you smell gas or suspect a leak, turn off the main gas valve, open your windows and get everyone outside.
• Check on your neighbors, especially those who are elderly, disabled, or who live alone.
• Only call 9-1-1 about life-threatening emergencies.

If you Receive a Bomb Threat:

• Ask the caller the following questions:
• When is the bomb going to explode?
• Where is the bomb right now?
• What kind of bomb is it?
• What does the bomb look like?
• Why did you place the bomb?
• Where are you calling from?
• Record the exact time and length of the call.
• Write down the exact words of the caller.
• Listen carefully to the caller's voice and background noise.
• After you hang up, call 9-1-1 immediately from a hard-wired telephone. Do NOT use cell phones to report a bomb threat.

Cyberterrorism and Cybersecurity

Cyberterrorism, sometimes referred to as electronic terrorism or information war, is any premeditated or politically motivated attack against information networks, data, computer systems or programs which are designed to cause physical violence or extreme financial harm. The threat of cyberterrorism to our technical infrastructure is real and can threaten our nation’s economy, public works, power plants, military installations, communication systems, and other elements of critical infrastructure. As our nation’s critical infrastructure grows more reliant on information technologies, so to grows the exposure to attack and the more widespread the impacts will be. Governments at the municipal, county, state and federals levels have partnered with the private sector to combat this emerging and evolving threat.

Civil Disturbance

Any incident that disrupts a community where intervention is required to maintain public safety constitutes a civil disturbance. Some examples are demonstrations, riots, strikes, public nuisances, and criminal activities. Civil disturbance incidences may include resistance or rejection of all different types of control and authority. They tend to occur in areas of concentrated populations including sporting, concert, cultural and conference events. Some areas subject to civil disturbances may include college communities, areas with concentrations of disparate economic status populations and government offices. Some examples of criminal activities associated with civil disturbances may include looting, assault, property or environmental damage, illegal drug use or distribution, fire-setting, vandalism and violation of noise ordinances.

Want to find out how to prepare for and what to do when:

There is a nuclear threat

http://www.ready.gov/america/beinformed/nuclear.html

There is a radiation threat

http://www.ready.gov/america/beinformed/radiation.html

There is a chemical  attack

http://www.ready.gov/america/beinformed/chemical.html

There is a biological attack

http://www.ready.gov/america/beinformed/biological.html

There is an electrical blackout

http://www.ready.gov/america/beinformed/blackout.html

There is an explosion

http://www.ready.gov/america/beinformed/explosions.html

Information for the above was gathered at DHS.org and Ready.gov

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