Readiness: Terrorist Attacks
Jul 25, 2007 - 11:05:31 AM
The University campus is a unique community as it relates to terrorist attacks. Unlike many communities, the University is equipped with everything a terrorist requires to disrupt the normal activities of the community. Universities in general are very accommodating in providing an outlet for free speech and other First Amendment guarantees. These varied guarantees could serve to light the fire that will consume an academic community. It therefore becomes the responsibility of everyone in the University community to be concerned with events on campus and how they might impact individual areas of responsibility. Whenever information implies a threat, steps should be taken to assure that this information is in the hands of the appropriate officials at the University.
During daily routines, every individual should take note of situations or circumstances that stand out from normal activities. Even though every change in the way a campus conducts business does not indicate a possible terrorist attack, changes do warrant closer inspection to determine the nature and the impact on campus activities. Each department on campus should also be prepared to render immediate assistance in evacuating specific areas of the campus or in helping emergency responders when they arrive at your facility. Emergency responders are thoroughly familiar with ways to provide assistance, but are sometimes not as familiar with the operation in a facility as regular employees of the facility might be. Your assistance in helping these critically important personnel reach their destination is extremely helpful.
Finally, every individual should plan for the eventuality of a terrorist attack. Know the details of how you will respond and how you will assist others in the process. It is not always possible for individuals to have written plans of how they will respond to terrorist attacks. Much of what will determine an individual's response is based on circumstances controlled by others. Each individual is responsible for knowing as much about their area of activity as possible. The quicker you are able to act could result in saving your life and the life of someone else.
