TEMA Meeting On Terrorism
Terrorism is no longer reserved for remote countries or international boundaries. The new threat, as we have witnessed, is the emergence of terrorism within the borders of the United States, such as the bombing at the World Trade Center and in Oklahoma City. Even in the State of Tennessee, threats of terrorist incidents are on the rise.
The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency .(TEMA) is committed to developing measures to protect public health and safety, restore essential services, and provide emergency relief to local governments, businesses, and individuals affected by the consequences of terrorism.
Planning for, training, and exercising emergency first responders and support agencies at the state and local level is TEMA’s primary focus in reducing the risks of terrorism.
According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), terrorism is the unlawful use of force or violence against persons or property to intimidate or coerce a government, the civilian population or any segment thereof, in furtherance of political or social objectives.
Terrorists may use a wide range of weaponry, and effects can vary -- from loss of life and injuries to property damage and service disruptions (electricity, water supply, public transportation, and communications).
- Terrorists often choose targets that offer little danger to themselves -areas with relatively easy public access.
- Terrorists look for visible targets --airports, large cities, major events, resorts, and other high-profile landmarks -- where they can avoid detection before and after an attack.
- Terrorists commonly use bombs as a weapon of choice.
- Terrorists aim to achieve large numbers of victims, high media attention, or mass panic and public anxiety.
- Terrorists select targets best suited for the type of material being used. For example, some biological agents are not effective in sunlight, while most chemical agents work best indoors with limited airflow.
Physical Security Measures
- Eliminate hiding spaces near facility.
- Provide unobstructed view of the facility.
- Prevent targeted attacks on personnel by not labeling employee parking spots with names.
- Provide maximum separation from facility to outer boundary using physical barriers.
- Provide adequate lighting for the exterior and parking lots.
- Secure utility access.
- Be tidy. Keep the dump-sites clean of excessive trash.
- Install entrance and exit doors with the hinges and hinge pins on the inside to prevent their removal.
- Secure exposed ladders and fire escapes.
- Place the mail room on the perimeter of the facility, because one of the most common ways bombs are delivered is by mail.
- Use security cameras, alarms, and security patrols.
- Remember, anyone can be a victim.
- Keep your car locked, and check your car before getting into it.
- Vary your routine, and if possible, your tjmes of arrival and departure.
- Travel main roads.
- Travel with others when possible. In general, there is safety in numbers.
- Do not frequent high-risk areas.
- Do not advertise your schedule, and do not give personal information to strangers.
- Never accept any package from a stranger or leave your luggage unattended.
- Report anything suspicious.
- Do not call attention to yourself.
- Do not over or under comply with demands of your captors.
- Do not complain.
- Try to have your captor see you as a real person.