TERRORISM

TERRORISM

By: Alboin B Pangaribuan

A terrorist attack with conventional weapons such as firearms, explosives or incendiary bomb any state remains possible, though unlikely.

Previously learn about the nature of terrorism.

• Terrorism often chooses targets that offer little danger to themselves and areas with relatively easy public access.
• Foreign terrorists look for visible targets where they can avoid detection before or after an attack such as international airports, large cities, major international events, resorts, and high-profile landmarks.

Learn about the different types weapons including explosives, kidnappings, hijackings, arson and shootings.

Prepare to deal with a terrorist incident by adapting many of the same techniques used to prepare for other crises.

• Be alert and aware of the surrounding area. They very nature of terrorism suggests that there may be little or no warning

• Take precautions when traveling. Be aware of conspicuous or unusual behavior. Don’t accept packages from strangers. Do not leave luggage unattended.

• Learn where emergency exits are located. Think ahead about how to evacuate a building, subway or congested public are in a hurry. Learn where staircases are located.

• Notice your immediate surroundings. Be aware of heavy or breakable object that could move, fall or break in an explosion.

Bomb Threats.

If you receive a bomb threat, get as much information from the caller as possible. Keep the caller on the line and record everything that is said. Notify the police and the building management.

After you’ve been notified of bomb threat, do not touch any suspicious packages. Clear the area around the suspicious package and notify the police immediately. In evacuating a building, avoid standing in front of windows or other potentially hazardous areas. Don not restricts sidewalk or streets to be used by emergency official.

During in a building explosion, get out of the building as quickly and calmly as possible.

If items are failing of bookshelves or from the ceiling, get under a sturdy table or desk. If there is a fire.

• Stay low to the floor and exit the building as quickly as possible
• Cover nose and mouth with a wet cloth.
• When approaching a closed door, use the palm of your hand and forearm to feel the lower, middle and upper parts if the door. If it is not hot, brace yourself against the door and open it slowly. If it is hot to the touch, do not open the door seek an alternate escape route.
• Heavy smoke and poisonous gases collect first along the ceiling. Stay below the smoke at all times.

If you are trapped in debris.

• Use a flashlight
• Stay in your area so that you don’t kick up dust. Cover your mouth with a handkerchief or clothing.
• Tap on a pipe or wall so that rescuers can hear where you are. Use a whistle if one is available. Shout only as a last resort-shouting can cause a person to inhale dangerous amounts of dust.

Assisting Victims.

Untrained persons should not attempt to rescue people who are inside a collapsed building. Wait for emergency personal to arrive.

Chemical Agents.

Chemical agents are poisonous gases, liquids or solids that have toxic effect on people, animals or plants. Most chemical agents cause serious injuries or death.

Severity of injuries depends on the type and amount of the chemical agent used, and the duration of exposure.

Were chemical agent attack to occur, authorities would instruct citizens to either seek shelter where they are and seal the premises or evacuate immediately. Exposure to chemical agents can be fatal. Leaving the shelter to rescue or assist victims can be a deadly decision.

Preparing for a Building Explosion

The use of explosives by terrorists can result in collapsed buildings and fires. People who live or work in multi-level building can do the following:

• Review emergency evacuation procedures. Know where fire exits are located.
• Keep fire extinguishers in working order.
• Know where they are located, and how to use them. Learn first aid. Contact the local chapter of the Indonesian Red cross for additional information.
• Keep the following items 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.

(To be continuing)