Whether state sponsored, independent, international, or domestic, terrorism depends on surprise and shock. According to the FBI, terrorism is the "unlawful use of force or violence, committed by a group(s) of two or more individuals, against persons or property to intimidate or coerce a government, the civilian population, or any segment thereof, in furtherance of political or social objectives."
The US... Read more >
Terrorist groups can be found in every country. Some are small enclaves of radicals committing relatively minor acts of domestic terrorism. Others, like the Islamic Jihad and Al Qaeda (the Bin Laden Network), are widespread and commit large-scale acts of domestic and international terrorism. Many of these terrorist groups, such as FARC, target political figures or entities, but there are almost always civilian... Read more >
Terrorism is an epidemic that plagues the world. Terrorists use surprise and our own fear in an attempt to achieve their own goals. They use weapons of mass destruction to send the message that they should be feared, but you can defend yourself.
Imagine terrorism as a natural disaster. Like an earthquake or a tornado, terrorism requires preparation and knowledge. With proper preparation and staying... Read more >
Many of the basics of terrorism preparedness are the same sensible precautions that people take against natural disasters. As anyone who's lived through a hurricane, earthquake, or tornado can tell you, having the necessary supplies to be self-sufficient can save your life.
Prepare Yourself for Delays
On a day-to-day basis you'll notice that the threat of terrorism has caused delays. Airport security is... Read more >
Anthrax spores in the mail. Car bombs. Biological warfare. Nuclear weapons. These are all terrifying outcomes of terrorism. And worse, the terrorists don't even have to use them; we just have to think that they will.
The true power of terrorism lies in fear: fear that interferes with day-to-day living and makes us afraid to open our mail without checking with the Center for Disease Control (CDC) for... Read more >
The World Trade Center bombings of September 11, 2001, made it clear that no one is invulnerable to terrorism, whether it be domestic terrorism or international. Terrorist groups are experts in manipulating people with fear and violence, and although it may seem as though people become victims almost at random, terrorists pick their targets carefully.
Who's Really at Risk
Terrorists target areas with little... Read more >
Often called the "poor man's atomic bomb," the biological agents used in bioterrorism are relatively easy to cultivate, conceal, transport, and disseminate. In most cases, terrorists don't even require sophisticated training to manufacture the bacteria, as the information is readily available in open-source literature, including the Internet. The notable exception is anthrax.
Symptoms of exposure to... Read more >
Preparing for terrorism involves knowing what to do in an emergency and where you may be exposed to potential dangers. By examining who's at risk, you can begin to get an idea of what targets terrorists look for, and what behaviors and locations put people at risk.
Preparing for a Building Explosion
The World Trade Center bombing on September 11, 2001, was not the first time that the towers were subject to... Read more >