Terrorism is the use of force or violence against persons or property in violation of the criminal laws of the United States for purposes of intimidation, coercion or ransom. Terrorists often use threats to create fear among the public, to try to convince citizens that their government is powerless to prevent terrorism, and to get immediate publicity for their causes.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) categorizes terrorism in the United States as one of two types--domestic terrorism or international terrorism.

Domestic terrorism involves groups or individuals whose terrorist activities are directed at elements of our government or population without foreign direction.

International terrorism involves groups or individuals whose terrorist activities are foreign-based and/or directed by countries or groups outside the United States or whose activities transcend national boundaries.

Most terrorist incidents have involved small extremist groups who use terrorism to achieve a designated objective. Local, State and Federal law enforcement officials monitor suspected terrorist groups and try to prevent or protect against a suspected attack. Additionally, the U.S. government works with other countries to limit the sources of support for terrorism.

A terrorist attack can take several forms, depending on the technological means available to the terrorist, the nature of the political issue motivating the attack, and the points of weakness of the terrorist's target. Bombings are the most frequently used terrorist method in the United States. Other possibilities include an attack at transportation facilities, an attack against utilities or other public services or an incident involving chemical or biological agents.

Terrorist incidents in this country have included bombings of the World Trade Center in New York City, the United States Capitol Building in Washington, D.C., Mobil Oil corporate headquarters in New York City and the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah building in Oklahoma City.

Biological agents are infectious microbes or toxins used to produce illness or death in people, animals or plants. Biological agents can be dispersed as aerosols or airborne particles. Terrorists may use biological agents to contaminate food or water because they are extremely difficult to detect. Chemical agents kill or incapacitate people, destroy livestock or ravage crops. Some chemical agents are odorless and tasteless and are difficult to detect. They can have an immediate effect (a few seconds to a few minutes) or a delayed effect (several hours to several days).

Biological and chemical weapons have been used primarily to terrorize an unprotected civilian population and not as a weapon of war. This is because of fear of retaliation and the likelihood that the agent would contaminate the battlefield for a long period of time. The Persian Gulf War in 1991 and other confrontations in the Middle East were causes for concern in the United States regarding the possibility of chemical or biological warfare.

Most terrorist incidents in the United States have been bombing attacks, involving detonated and undetonated explosive devices, tear gas and bombs, pipe, fire, etc... The effects of terrorism can vary significantly from loss of life and injuries to property damage and disruptions in services such as electricity, water supply, public transportation and communications. One way governments attempt to reduce our vulnerability to terrorist incidents is by increasing security at airports and other public facilities. The U.S. government also works with other countries to limit the sources of support for terrorism.

Terrorists often choose targets that offer little danger to themselves and areas with relatively easy public access.

Foreign terrorists look for visible targets where they can avoid detection before or after an attack such as international airports, large cities, major international events, resorts, and high-profile landmarks.

Prepare to confront a terrorist incident by adapting many of the same techniques used to prepare for other crises.

Be alert and aware of the surrounding area. The very nature of terrorism suggests that there may be little or no warning.

Take precautions when traveling. Be aware of conspicuous or unusual behavior. Do not accept packages from strangers. Do not leave luggage unattended.

Learn where emergency exists are located. Think ahead about how to evacuate a building, subway or congested public area in a hurry. Learn where staircases are located.

Notice your immediate surroundings. Be aware of heavy or breakable objects that could move, fall or break in an explosion.

The use of explosives by terrorists can result in collapsed buildings and fires. People who live or work in a multi-level building can do the following:

• Review emergency evacuation procedures. Know where fire exits are located.
• Keep fire extinguishers in working order. Know where to locate and use them.
• Keep the following items in a designated place on each floor of the building:
  • Portable, battery-operated radio and extra batteries.
  • Several flashlights and extra batteries.
  • First aid kit and manual.
  • Several hard hats.
  • Fluorescent tape to rope off dangerous areas.

If you receive a bomb threat, get as much information from the caller as possible. Keep the caller on the line and record everything that is said. Notify the police and the building management.

After you've been notified of a bomb threat, do not touch any suspicious packages. Clear the area around the suspicious package and notify the police immediately. In evacuating a building, avoid standing in front of windows or other potentially hazardous areas. Do not restrict sidewalk or streets that will be used by emergency officials.

• During...
  • In a building explosion, get out of the building as quickly and calmly as possible.
  • If items are falling off bookshelves or from the ceiling, get under a sturdy table or desk.
• If there is a fire...
  • Stay low to the floor and exit the building as quickly as possible.
  • Cover nose and mouth with a wet cloth.
  • When approaching a closed door, use the palm of your hand and forearm to feel the lower, middle and upper parts of the door. If it is not hot, brace yourself against the door and open it slowly. If it is hot to the touch, do not open the door--seek an alternate escape route.
  • Stay below the smoke at all times. Heavy smoke and poisonous gases collect first along the ceiling.
• After....
• If trapped in debris...
• Stay in your area so that you don't kick up dust. Cover your mouth with a handkerchief or clothing.
• Tap on a pipe or wall so that rescuers can hear where you are.
• Use a whistle if one is available. Shout only as a last resort--shouting can cause a person to inhale dangerous amounts of dust.
• Assisting victims...
  • Untrained persons should not attempt to rescue people who are inside a collapsed building. Wait for emergency personnel to arrive.