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What to do if you are caught in the middle of a terrorist attack

The events of September 11th were tragic and unexpected. At the time, few Americans could ever conceive of such events taking place, let alone know how to respond to such a horrific terrorist attack. Since that day, the United States has been forever changed, and many who may never before have thought about what to do in the case of a terrorist attack are now forced to face that possibility. Indeed, traveling through any American airport you will receive regular reminders that the threat of terror still exists.

The question, then, is how best to respond should you become caught in the middle of a terrorist attack. Obviously there are a multitude of different situations that could possibly occur, such as bombings, hijackings, and poisoning. Certainly no one could have predicted the serious of events that transpired in 2001. However, there are strategies that are important in any sort of disaster situation that apply equally well in the case of a terrorist attack. Below are some suggestions about what to do if you are caught in the middle of a terrorist attack.

Follow your disaster plan

Every family should have a disaster plan in place. This is your plan of attack should the worst happen, be it a natural disaster such as a hurricane or tornado, or a man-made disaster such as a terrorist attack. You should have a designated out-of-town contact that each family member is to check in with should the worst happen. That person should have phone and email contact information for everyone in your family. During an attack, phone lines may be clogged but emails may get through. Send an email to your designated person letting them know of your situation.

You should also have a designated meeting place should your family becoming separated during an attack. Ideally this will be the home of a friend or family member who lives out of town. Be sure that you can also take your pets as they often will not be accepted by shelters or hotels.

Communication

Aside from communicating your whereabouts to your family contact, it is important to stay connected to the advice of officials in your area in case of evacuation orders or other instructions. Do your best to stay connected using a radio, television or the internet. In the event of an attack you will need to use whatever methods are still available for communication.

Remain calm

Above all else, if the worst should happen, the best advice is to always remain calm. Remaining calm does not mean shunning orders to evacuate or downplaying the seriousness of the situation, but rather carrying out the steps of your disaster plan without becoming overwhelmed by emotion. Keeping a level head during a disaster will enable you to best help yourself and those around you survive.

Help others

If you are the victim of a terrorist attack that has left people injured, be sure to offer as much help as you are able to those around you. If you know of elderly or disabled neighbors or coworkers make sure that they have assistance. If you know first aid, offer to help those who have been injured. Although September 11th was a tragic day, many heroes emerged as they helped others to safety.

There are many more preparations that one could make in anticipation of a terrorist attack, however at some point we all need to live our lives without fear. Make a disaster plan, think about how you would respond in a worst-case scenario, and then realize that you have done your best.

Learn more about this author, Kaarina St. John.
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