Module 6: Discussion Board - Preparing and Responding to Terrorist Attacks (Due
07.28.22)
Based on your readings thus far from the text and your own research, using the National
Response Framework as your guide:
How would you prepare your community for a potential terrorist attack?
What safety and security concerns would you have during and after a terrorist attack on
your community? Put another way, what would be your priorities?
Liberty University
HLSC 610-D01: Understanding Terrorism and Homeland Security
Week 6 Discussion Board: Preparing and Responding to Terrorist Attacks
Professor Richards
July 25, 2022
Preparing for a Terrorist Attack
Preparedness is one of the essential foundations of emergency management that involves
rigorous efforts to improve response and recovery capabilities (McEntire, 2018). It is a shared
responsibility between all levels of government, private and non-profit organizations, faith-based
organizations, communities, and individuals (FEMA, 2015). Hence, community emergency
managers and planners can use the National Response Framework (NRF) to prepare for, respond
to, and recover from a potential terrorist attack. The NRF is also adaptable and scalable to fit the
needs of a community and serves as a guide to strategically plan response activities should a
terrorist attack occur. Thus, emergency operation plans must be realistic and achievable.
McEntire and Myers (2004) assert the preparedness process includes: “(1) establishing
emergency management ordinances; (2) assessing hazards, vulnerability, and risks; (3) creating
an emergency operations plan; (4) developing a warning system; (5) identifying and acquiring
resources and grants; (6) instituting mutual aid agreements; (7) training and exercise; and 8)
educating the public” (p. 142).
Most incidents begin and end locally; thus, it would require a unified response from local
agencies. Going through the preparedness process ensures that the community has “the
capabilities necessary to stabilize an incident, save lives, protect property and the environment,
meet basic human needs, and restore community lifeline services” (FEMA, 2019, p. 4).
Establishing an emergency management ordinance, for example, validates the community
leaders’ intent to prioritize emergency preparedness. Assessing hazards, vulnerability, and risks
helps emergency managers examine threats to critical community lifelines. The emergency
operations plan maps out a general course of action during an emergency to ensure that
responding to an incident is not impeded by disorganization or miscommunication. This plan
must be flexible enough should the need to improvise is warranted. Developing a warning
system ensures that citizens are aware of what is happening, allowing them to take precautionary
and protective measures, especially when a terrorist attack occurs (McEntire & Myers, 2004).
Identifying and acquiring resources and grants are also crucial in preparing for potential terrorist
attacks. Having a list of resources helps emergency managers and first responders identify what
they need to respond to a crisis. Emergency managers can apply for grants to fund the required
equipment and supplies if resources are limited.
Mutual aid agreements can also help neighboring communities collaborate and assist
communities in crisis. Train first responders and key officials on responding to emergencies,
including terrorism. Moreover, they should be trained in the incident command system (ICS) to
avoid miscommunication between different organizations or agencies while responding to an
incident. Simulated or mock exercises are also advantageous. These exercises can detect
deficiencies in the EOP and the overall emergency management system, identify potential
personnel and staff shortages, and detect problems with the functioning and operation of
equipment (McEntire & Myers, 2004). Public education fosters community resiliency and allows
citizens to take responsibility for themselves and their community. A relatively popular and
inexpensive community education program that McEntire & Myer (2004) pointed out is the
Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). The CERT training programs cover areas like
“triage, disaster medicine, urban search and rescue, fire suppression, and damage assessment,
[among others]” (Simpson, 2001; as cited in McEntire & Myers, 2004, p. 150).
Responding to a Terrorist Attack: Safety and Security Concerns
The safety and security concerns during and after a terrorist attack will depend on the type and
magnitude of the attack. The EOP and ICS would be beneficial at this point. The first priority
would be to “size up” the situation and determine the best course of action to respond safely and
effectively (McEntire, 2018). This could include securing the scene, sweeping the area for other
devices that terrorists may have planted, and assigning an individual or a team to monitor and
communicate safety concerns that could potentially hinder response operations (McEntire, 2018).
When safety and security measures have been implemented, including stabilizing community
lifelines, search and rescue activities may be undertaken to bring victims to safety. Some of these
victims may require immediate medical attention; hence, setting up a triage would ensure limited
medical resources are maximized (McEntire, 2018). Contamination is also a safety concern.
Therefore, first responders involved in decontamination should be well trained and equipped
with proper protective gear, and victims should be appropriately decontaminated before being
transported to a medical facility (McEntire, 2018). This would provide some safety assurance for
medical responders, physicians, and nurses. In addition, it is crucial that support systems are in
place and resources are available to help those affected by the terrorist attack to cope with this
life-changing experience. Furthermore, after life-saving concerns have been addressed, the next
priority is for law enforcement to collect, record, analyze, and store evidence for future court
proceedings and apprehend those responsible for the attack (McEntire, 2018).
Biblical Perspective
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (English Standard Version Bible,
2001/2016, Psalm 46:1). This scripture reminds us to trust in God in the worst of times, just as
we trust Him during our greatest moments. He is our source of strength and safe haven;
therefore, our faith must be stronger than our fear. Our security does not come from our
circumstances but from our faith in God. 1 Corinthians 16:13 says to “be watchful, stand firm in
the faith, act like men, [and] be strong” (English Standard Version Bible, 2001/2016).
References
English Standard Version Bible. (2016). EVC Online. https://esv.literalword.com/ (Original work
published 2001)
McEntire, D. A. (2018). Introduction to homeland security, 2nd Edition. [VitalSource Bookshelf
version]. Retrieved from vbk://9781119430636
McEntire, D. A., & Myers, A. (2004). Preparing communities for disasters: Issues and processes
for government readiness. Disaster Prevention and Management: An International Journal, 13(2),
140-152. https://doi.org/10.1108/09653560410534289
U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency [FEMA].
(2019). National response framework. Fourth Edition. (1-51). FEMA.gov.
https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/2020-04/NRF_FINALApproved_2011028.pdf
U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency [FEMA].
(2015). National preparedness goal. Second Edition. (1-17). FEMA.gov.
https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/2020-06/national_preparedness_goal_2nd_edition.pdf
Discussion Responses:
Hi Matthew:
Great discussion post on this week’s topic. I agree with your assertion that community awareness
is vital in preparing for potential terrorist threats. In addition, awareness campaigns encourage
citizens to participate in community preparedness activities actively. An example of an
inexpensive awareness program is the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). As
mentioned in my discussion post, the CERT training programs cover areas like “triage, disaster
medicine, urban search and rescue, fire suppression, and damage assessment, [among others]”
(Simpson, 2001; as cited in McEntire & Myers, 2004, p. 150). Another way to prepare a
community is to develop an emergency operations plan as it is one of the main priorities of
preparedness (McEntire, 2018). The EOP must be based on the result of a risk assessment.
References:
McEntire, D. A., & Myers, A. (2004). Preparing communities for disasters: Issues and processes
for government readiness. Disaster Prevention and Management: An International Journal, 13(2),
140-152. https://doi.org/10.1108/09653560410534289
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