Before 9/11, America sponsored terrorism abroad but did not experience it at home. On that date everything changed. Aerial attacks on a major American city brought the reality of terrorism to Americans in their own country. Although a war against terrorism was declared immediately it was hastily moved offshore to other countries. However, the genie was out of the bottle and Americans can no longer sleep as easily as they did before terrorism made its appearance in their own country.
At the heart of terrorist tactics is shock. Innocent citizens cannot relax because they are the prey. Like animals living with predators, innocent people must constantly be ready for a shock attack. Alertness and flight are the survival modes of wild animals. Human beings need to develop some of those same qualities. Eyes and ears are the instruments of observation. People need to keep emergency kits as part of their constant vigilance..
Terrorism can take many forms and have many consequences. Suitable kits should cater for many different types of emergency. Terrorists might poison food and water supplies so a supply of these essential life sustaining things should be included. When a sustained terrorist attack is underway, as it was in South Africa for a number of years, terrorism emergency kits need to be constantly checked and replenished regularly. There should also be provision for worst case scenarios. For many people across the world that has meant relocating to another country.
In confines spaces a tactic might be to contaminate the air. This was attempted in Japan when an underground railway was attacked. For such emergencies a gas mask needs t be available. It should be checked to see that it fits and ideally will be available whenever one enters a danger zone such as a crowded space like a church, shop or train. Terrorism emergency kits should be available to children too and in cases where prolonged terrorist attacks occur over periods of many months it could be necessary to have protective suits available to all.
The acts of terrorists have succeeded in many parts of the world. In some countries they have taken over the government and achieved their ends. Because of this there is a wealth of information on the subject and much equipment is available that should be kept ready to hand in case of ongoing attacks. It is important to communicate with those people in the community who are not terrorists and who may be able to form a helpful alliance. For this reason a radio that does not require batteries, such as a crank radio should become a tool that you are familiar with. Part of communication is education. Family members should all know what to do when an attack comes. For that reason it may be a good idea to search web pages that have information about how to cope with emergencies and what what equipment should be available.
Emergency Preparedness means Emergency kits, you should have at least one in your home and car.
