What is Terrorism?

According to Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, it is

"The act of terrorizing or state of being terrorized; 

a mode of government by terror or intimidation. -- Thomas Jefferson."

According to American Heritage Dictionary, it is

"The unlawful use or threatened use of force or violence of a person or an organized group 

against people or property with the intimidating or coercing societies or governments; 

often for ideological or political reasons."

According to American Heritage New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition, it is

"Acts of violence committed by groups that view themselves 

as victimized by some notable historical wrong.

Although these groups have no formal connection with governments, 

they usually have the financial and moral backing of sympathetic governments. 

Typically, they stage unexpected attacks on civilian targets, including embassies and airliners, 

with the aim of sowing fear and confusion. 

Israel has been a frequent target of terrorism, but the United States has increasingly 

become its main target."

Regardless of your definition, terrorism is now something of which we are aware every day. Depending upon where you live, the threat, or perceived threat, is there to some extent.

In your Family Disaster Plan discussions...

Think about what risks are in your area.

Do you live near a major seaport, a large public stadium or an historical site?

Do you have large convention centers where political leaders meet or a large international airport?

Other high-risk targets include military bases, military and civilian government facilities, 

water and food supply storage areas, utility centers, and corporate business centers.

No matter where you live, terrorists can spread fear by sending explosives or deadly agents 

through the postal system.

Your best defense for an attack is to be aware and be prepared.

Acts of terrorism can include assassinations, bomb scares, bombings, 

computer based cyber attacks, hijackings, kidnappings, threats of terrorism, 

and the use of biological, chemical, nuclear and radiological weapons 

(commonly known as weapons of mass destruction).

Safety Precautions against Terrorism

♦ Know what the targets might be where you live.

♦ Always be aware of your surroundings. 

If you notice something out of place, or if something just does not feel quite right, leave the area.

♦ If you have any specific information, report it to the local authorities.

♦ Wherever you go in public, know where the emergency exits are. 

Have a plan to exit the building or the area in case of an emergency.

♦ When you are traveling, take a few extra precautions. 

Our guard is usually down when we are on vacation. 

Whether you are traveling by air, train, boat or bus, 

take notice of anything or anyone that is unusual. 

Never take a package from someone you do not know. 

Never leave your luggage unattended. 

Report any unusual behavior, or unattended packages 

to the nearest security personnel or police officer.

♦ In the event of a terrorist threat or an actual attack, 

be prepared to do without some of the services you use everyday. 

Some of these services may include utilities (electrical, gas, telephone and water), 

and anything run by the utilities (such as ATM machines, cash registers, computers and gas pumps).