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Terrorism Preparedness

WHAT IS TERRORISM?
Terrorism is the use of force or violence against persons or property in violation of the criminal laws of the United States for purposes of intimidation, coercion or ransom. Terrorists often use threats to create fear among the public, to try to convince citizens that their government is powerless to prevent terrorism, and to get immediate publicity for their causes.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) categorizes terrorism in the United States as one of two types--domestic terrorism or international terrorism. Domestic terrorism involves groups or individuals whose terrorist activities are directed at elements of our government or population without foreign direction. International terrorism involves groups or individuals whose terrorist activities are foreign-based and/or directed by countries or groups outside the United States or whose activities transcend national boundaries.

• FEMA for Kids: National Security Emergencies
• Are You Ready - A Citizen's Guide to Preparedness
• Homeland Security Alert Levels
• Homeland Security Resources
• Responding First to BioTerrorism
• Coping with an Attack - A Quick Guide to Dealing with Biological, Chemical, and "Dirty Bomb" Attacks (489kb)
• Sheltering in Place During a Radiation Emergency (92kb)
• National Security Emergencies (361kb)
• HSAS Recommendations for Business (147kb)
• HSAS Recommendations for Families (123kb)
• HSAS Recommendations for Individuals (166kb)
• HSAS Recommendations for Neighborhoods (120kb)
• HSAS Recommendations for Schools (121kb)
• Protecting Building Environments from Airborne Chemical, Biological, or Radiological Attacks (605kb)
• American Red Cross: Terrorism—Preparing for the Unexpected (1080kb)
• Terrorism Fact Sheet (9kb)
• Dirty-Bomb Fact Sheet (9kb)
• Dirty Bomb Frequently Asked Questions (99kb)
• Facts About Sarin (129kb)
• Personal Protection & Chemical or Biological Terrorism (25kb)
• Radiological Attack - Dirty Bombs and Other Devices (94kb)
• Likelihood of Terrorists Acquiring & Using Chemical or Biological Weapons (25kb)
• Bioterrorism Readiness Plan: A Template for Healthcare Facilities (113kb)
• A Journalist's Guide to Covering Bioterrorism (367kb)

• United States Postal Service Message to Customers
• Mail Center Security Guidelines (212kb)
• FBI Mail Advisory (288kb)
• Anthrax Mail Advisory from Central District Health Department (76kb)
• Low Volume / Low Risk Mailroom Procedures (7kb)

• Anthrax Informatin from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
• Anthrax Information (85kb)
• CDC Anthrax Advisory (23kb)

• Smallpox Information from CDC
• Central District Health Department Smallpox Information (74kb)

• CDC BSE Information
• FDA BSE Information
• USDA BSE Information
• World Health Organization BSE Information