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Explosions

Explosions

Explosions | Get an Explosion Kit | Make a Plan | During the Explosions | After the Explosions


Terrorists have frequently used explosive devices as one of their most common weapons. Terrorists do not have to look far to find out how to make explosive devices; the information is readily available in books and other information sources. Explosive devices can be highly portable, using vehicles and humans as a means of transport. They are easily detonated from remote locations or by suicide bombers.

Conventional bombs have been used to damage and destroy financial, political, social, and religious institutions. Attacks have occurred in public places and on city streets with thousands of people around the world injured and killed.

Devastating acts, such as the terrorist attacks on the Oklahoma City and September 11th, have left many concerned about the possibility of future incidents in the United States. Nevertheless, there are things you can do to prepare for the unexpected. Preparing for such events will reduce the stress that you may feel now, and later, should another emergency arise. Taking preparatory action can reassure you and your children that you can exert a measure of control even in the face of such events.

If there is an Explosion

  • Take shelter against your desk or a sturdy table.

  • Exit the building ASAP.

  • Do not use elevators.

  • Check for fire and other hazards.

  • Take your emergency supply kit if time allows.

If There is a Fire

  • Exit the building ASAP.

  • Crawl low if there is smoke

  • Use a wet cloth, if possible, to cover your nose and mouth.

  • Use the back of your hand to feel the upper, lower, and middle parts of closed doors.

  • If the door is not hot, brace yourself against it and open slowly.

  • If the door is hot, do not open it. Look for another way out.

  • Do not use elevators

  • If you catch fire, do not run. Stop-drop-and-roll to put out the fire.

  • If you are at home, go to a previously designated meeting place.

  • Account for your family members and carefully supervise small children.

  • Never go back into a burning building.

If You Are Trapped in Debris

  • If possible, use a flashlight to signal your location to rescuers.

  • Avoid unnecessary movement so that you don't kick up dust.

  • Cover your nose and mouth with anything you have on hand. (Dense-weave cotton material can act as a good filter. Try to breathe through the material.)

  • Tap on a pipe or wall so that rescuers can hear where you are.

  • If possible, use a whistle to signal rescuers.

  • Shout only as a last resort. Shouting can cause a person to inhale dangerous amounts of dust.

Suspicious Packages and Letters

Be wary of suspicious packages and letters. They can contain explosives, chemical or biological agents. Be particularly cautious at your place of employment.

Some typical characteristics postal inspectors have detected over the years, which ought to trigger suspicion, include parcels that:

  • Are unexpected or from someone unfamiliar to you.

  • Have no return address or a return address that can't be verified as legitimate.

  • Are marked with restrictive endorsements such as "Personal," "Confidential," or "Do not X-ray."

  • Have protruding wires or aluminum foil, strange odors or stains.

  • Show a city or state in the postmark that doesn't match the return address.

  • Are of unusual weight given their size or are lopsided or oddly shaped.

  • Are marked with threatening language.

  • Have inappropriate or unusual labeling.

  • Have excessive postage or packaging material, such as masking tape and string.

  • Have misspellings of common words.

  • Are addressed to someone no longer with your organization or are otherwise outdated.

  • Have incorrect titles or titles without a name.

  • Are not addressed to a specific person.

  • Have hand-written or poorly typed addresses.

With suspicious envelopes and packages other than those that might contain explosives, take these additional steps against possible biological and chemical agents.

  • Refrain from eating or drinking in a designated mail handling area.

  • Place suspicious envelopes or packages in a plastic bag or some other type of container to prevent leakage of contents. Never sniff or smell suspect mail.

  • If you do not have a container, then cover the envelope or package with anything available (e.g., clothing, paper, trash can, etc.) and do not remove the cover.

  • Leave the room and close the door or section off the area to prevent others from entering.

  • Wash your hands with soap and water to prevent spreading any powder to your face.

  • If you are at work, report the incident to your building security official or an available supervisor, who should notify police and other authorities without delay.

  • List all people who were in the room or area when this suspicious letter or package was recognized. Give a copy of this list to both the local public health authorities and law enforcement officials for follow-up investigations and advice.

  • If you are at home, report the incident to local police.

Facts about Explosions

  • If you are trapped don't shout. Use this only as a last resort as it may cause you to inhale dangerous amounts of dust.

  • If you escape a building, do not go back into a burning building and stay away from the sidewalk to allow emergency workers.

  • Be sure to report any suspicious packages or letters you may get.

  • Be sure to keep your mouth and nose covered to protect from inhaling of dangerous amounts of dust.

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