Project paper

HLS 3303, Terrorism Response Operations 1

Course Learning Outcomes for Unit IV Upon completion of this unit, students should be able to:

5. Determine protective measures for individuals at the scene of a terrorist attack.

Reading Assignment Chapter 5: The Department of Homeland Security

Unit Lesson How was the Department of Homeland Security established? Was developing the Department of Homeland Security successful? Moreover, was creating such a department warranted? These are some of the questions that we will examine in this unit. Oliver, Marion, and Hill (2015) discussed how unexpected these attacks were. On September 11, 2001, the President of the United States was in a classroom, interacting with elementary school students. These attacks appeared to have caught everyone by surprise. How can one plan for a predicament of this nature? These attacks not only caused injuries and casualties, but also devastated the financial markets. This clearly shows that homeland security impacts a myriad of sectors; therefore, homeland security should be everyone’s concern. Many cities and municipalities offer a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program. These programs are extremely beneficial. It is a voluntary training that allows citizens in the community an understanding of how to prepare in the event of a disaster situation. Additionally, once trained, these individuals would have the knowledge to provide their capabilities to their family members, neighbors, and community if a disaster situation were to occur. One may ask, if CERT is beneficial, should such training be mandatory for citizens within a community? CERT focuses on a variety of incidents, ranging from preparing individuals for weather-related events to potential terrorist attacks. As communities, local, state, and federal governments may establish certain policies and legislations—why can such training not be mandated? Concerns that may be discussed could relate to coordination, feasibility, and of course, funding. These may be legitimate concerns, but the benefits of having this program could offset the cost. Some argue that there should be no cost associated with safety. During the attacks and aftermath of 9/11, were any of these signs of preparedness displayed? There were many people looking for their family members as well as friends after the attacks of 9/11. There were many images of people carrying signs and pictures, inquiring about the location of their loved ones. Thus, it is imperative to have a designated location if an emergency or attack of this magnitude were to occur. In the event of an attack or catastrophic incident, family members may not have access to a telephone, and communication may be lost. By having this designated location, your family members or friends would know exactly where to meet. Where may this designated location be? It could be in a myriad of places. For example, it could be at the local grocery store or at the neighborhood library. Additionally, this emergency designated location may be at your favorite restaurant. It is important to have this designated location discussed and agreed upon in advance so that if an attack or devastating event were to occur, the applicable individuals will know where to meet.

UNIT IV STUDY GUIDE

Protective Measures Utilized at

the Scene of a Terrorist Attack

HLS 3303, Terrorism Response Operations 2

UNIT x STUDY GUIDE

Title

Immediately after the attacks of 9/11, which resulted in the death of 3,000 individuals, Congress focused on protecting the country (Oliver et al., 2015). Congress subsequently passed the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2011 (USA PATRIOT Act). The USA PATRIOT Act was introduced into the House of Representatives on October 23, 2001, and passed through the Senate on October 25, 2001. Additionally, after the attacks of 9/11, another attack devastated the country in October 2001. The subsequent anthrax attacks caused tremendous concern in the United States. In these attacks, letters were mailed out that contained anthrax spores; five people died, and 17 additional individuals were injured due to these anthrax attacks (Oliver et al., 2015). The Homeland Security Act of 2002 sought to establish the Department of Homeland Security (Oliver et al., 2015). After 9/11, it was understood that one department should be charged with overseeing and protecting the homeland. The objective of the Department of Homeland Security is to protect the country from terrorist attacks. Although the Department of Homeland Security has 22 agencies and various functions, its main objective is to protect the homeland. What were the benefits of creating the Department of Homeland Security? The ability to have various agencies work under one department would subsequently foster effective communication, whereas prior to 9/11 agencies were focused on their missions and objectives. Establishing the Department of Homeland Security provided a mechanism for these agencies to collaborate and work together. Thus far, the Department of Homeland Security has been successful in mitigating and also preventing potential threats. The Department of Homeland Security has coordinated exercises with all levels of governments to assist in the planning stages and the overall function of disaster management. As we have discussed the importance of CERT, it is essential to understand protective measures in the event of a disaster incident or terrorist attack. In the event of an explosion, it is extremely important to seek safety. Depending on the nature of the incident, safety could consist of a number of measures. For example, if an explosion occurs at a building, it may be essential that individuals surrounding the building move as far away from the building as possible—in the event that the building should collapse. Also, it is important to be vigilant and aware of your surroundings. Individuals who are not aware of their surroundings could cause a great deal of danger for themselves as well as others. As we have discussed many aspects of homeland security, it is essential to prepare and plan for the unexpected in advance.

Reference Oliver, W. M., Marion, N. E., & Hill, J. B. (2015). Introduction to homeland security: Policy, organization,

and administration. Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.

Suggested Reading To learn more about the protective measures that you could implement in a terrorist attack, please visit the website listed below. Some of the topics include family disaster plans, explosions, biological threats, and chemical threats. Federal Emergency Management Agency. (2004). Terrorism. In Are you ready? An in-depth guide to

citizen preparedness. Retrieved from http://www.fema.gov/media-library-data/20130726-1549- 20490-0802/terrorism.pdf