Explosion, Emergency and Disaster Recovery and Response Plan

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 terrorism. A car bomb exploded inside the parking garage on February 26, 1993, killing six and injuring over a thousand people.
 
The possibility of being caught in a building during an act of either foreign or domestic terrorism is scary. Take the following precautions to increase the chances that, should the unimaginable happen, you will survive:
  • Review emergency evacuation procedures.
  • Know where fire exits are located.
  • Keep identification (and, if you are traveling, consulate information) on you at all times.
  • Carry a pocket-handkerchief to cover your face and filter out dust and debris.

The following items should be kept in a designated place on each floor of the building.

  • portable, battery-operated radio and extra batteries
  • several flashlights and extra batteries
  • first-aid kit and manual
  • several hard hats
  • fluorescent tape to rope off dangerous areas.

Bomb Threats

Should you personally receive a bomb threat, get as much information from the caller as possible in an effort to aid any counter terrorism effort. If you feel at risk at any time, don't play the hero. Notify the proper authorities and the building management as soon as possible.

In the event of a bomb threat, never disturb any suspicious packages, including vehicles in the case of a car bomb. Quickly clear the area of people if you can, but do not delay in notifying the police or building management of the possible location of the explosives. Potentially dangerous locations, such as near large windows, should be avoided.

Remain calm while evacuating. As difficult as this may be, a level head will allow for a quicker, safer escape, and also aid any counter terrorism effort by allowing for faster access to the location of the explosives. Give any information about the threat to emergency personnel.

During a Building Explosion

Your first priority is to get out of the building, but not at the risk of your personal security. If your escape route puts you at risk of falling debris, use a sturdy table or desk as protective shelter.
 
In case of fire, stay low to the floor and exit the building as quickly as possible. Wet your handkerchief, and use it to cover your nose and mouth. Use the back of your hand and forearm to feel for heat against the lower, middle and upper parts of any closed door. Should the door prove cool to the touch, brace yourself against the door and open it slowly, keeping low. Do not open any hot door: Seek an alternate escape route. Stay low. Hot air rises, so the poisonous gases in the smoke will collect first along the ceiling.

After an Explosion

When trapped in debris:
  • If possible, use a flashlight to access your surroundings.
  • Signal for help by tapping on a pipe or wall to aid rescuers in locating you by following the sound. Shouting can cause a person to inhale dangerous amounts of dust and debris, so look for alternate signal methods.
  • Stay in your area so that you don't kick up dust.
  • Cover your mouth with your handkerchief or a piece of clothing.

Assisting Victims in an Emergency

Untrained persons should not attempt to rescue people who are inside a collapsed building. Wait for emergency personnel to arrive. There is always a danger of explosives that failed to detonate during the first attack, or secondary terrorist weapons, including those used in biological warfare. Check with emergency personnel for an examination of any injuries, and follow their directions. Your security is their first concern.