Terrorism is an indiscriminate act that strikes in varying forms of threats and violence. Terrorists generate fear through intimidation, coercion and acts of violence such as highjackings, bombings or kidnappings. As past and more recent events have shown, however, terrorists have reached new levels of organization, sophistication and violence. Their tactics and techniques are always changing and will continue to be a challenge to predict and neutralize. We must remain diligent in applying the proper protective measures.
You and your family are critical components of the structure and well-being of a neighborhood. By practicing certain techniques and proven security habits, the possibility of becoming a target will be reduced. Defensive awareness and personal security regarding terrorism are everyone’s responsibility. Constant awareness can help protect all members of your family from acts of terrorism.
Protecting neighborhoods is vital to the safety and well-being of a community. Neighborhood watch, block watch, town watch, apartment watch, crime watch, business watch – no matter what it is called, is one of the most effective and least costly answers to crime. Watch groups are the foundation of community crime prevention and a stepping stone to community revitalization.
In addition, it is important to learn what you can do during a biological, chemical, explosive, nuclear or radiological attack. You should plan in advance what you will do in an emergency. Be prepared to assess the situation, use common sense and whatever you have on hand to take care of yourself and your loved ones. Think about the places where your family spends time such as school, work and other places you frequent. Ask about their emergency plans. Find out how they will communicate with families during an emergency. If they do not have an emergency plan, consider helping to develop one.
All Americans should begin a process of learning about potential threats so we are better prepared to react during an attack. While there is no way to predict what will happen or what your personal circumstances will be, there are simple things you can do now to prepare yourself and your loved ones.