Module 7: Discussion Board – Recovering from Terrorist Attack (Due: 08/04/2022)
Based on your readings thus far from the text and your research:
What would be your immediate first steps involving the recovery process from a terrorist
attack?
What are some of the key issues you might face and have to address?
What role could or should faith and faith-based organizations play?
What does the Bible tell us that may help?
Liberty University
HLSC 610-D01: Understanding Terrorism and Homeland Security
Week 7 Discussion Board: Recovering from Terrorist Attacks
Professor Richards
August 4, 2022
Terrorist Attack: First Steps to Recovery
Terrorist attacks often lead to significant consequences; thus, assessments must be made. The
initial step to recovery in the aftermath of a terrorist attack is to assess the extent of the damages
to determine if the impacted community can address its relief needs. Suppose the damage
assessment results reveal that the community’s needs exceed their available resources. In that
case, a disaster declaration will need to be obtained to receive outside response and recovery
assistance. A damage assessment considers the extent of physical destruction, economic losses,
deaths, social disruption, and recovery needs (McEntire, 2018). Typically, there are three
different types of damage assessment, with each being performed by other parties. For example,
local government officials can perform a rapid assessment to understand the magnitude of the
attack so immediate needs can be addressed (McEntire, 2018). A preliminary damage assessment
can be conducted by the affected community, including state and federal officials, to evaluate the
damages and determine what assistance is needed to facilitate recovery (McEntire, 2018). Other
parties, like engineers, insurance agents, contractors, and FEMA employees, can conduct a
technical assessment to determine the anticipated cost of rebuilding the affected community
(McEntire, 2018).
Key Recovery Issues
A community’s road to recovery is never easy and is bound to have some challenges. These
challenges include dealing with mass fatalities, cleaning debris, and addressing psychological
and emotional issues (McEntire, 2018). A single terrorist attack, no matter how small, can cause
mass fatalities. A community may not have the capability to process so many remains; thus, it
may require assistance from a Disaster Mortuary Operations Response Team. Citizens could
unintentionally hamper an investigation and evidence collection, including record keeping, when
attempting to assist first responders (McEntire, 2018). Despite being vital in facilitating recovery,
debris management can be too overwhelming that it is often neglected. Some critical issues in
debris management include evidence, human remains in the mix of debris, identifying holding
areas with ample space for debris, safety issues during debris management operations, and the
continual oversight of contractors to deter fraud, waste, and abuse (McEntire, 2018). Another
critical issue is addressing psychological and emotional issues. Man-made disasters, like
terrorism, impact people differently. Thus, some individuals may need more mental health
support than others. These individuals may include first responders, victims, witnesses, and
citizens.
The Role of Faith-Based Organization
Faith-based organizations (FBOs) often contribute to response and recovery efforts. They are an
essential component in a community because they are trusted and have access to resources, like
popular donations and other critical facilities that can help government entities manage recovery
efforts. In addition, FBOs are known for their ability to bring people together to assist in times of
grief and sadness. “One of their most important roles is to create social solidarity and social
networks to overcome mental health problems and promote recovery” (Sheikhi et al., 2020, p.
245). FBOs, like many other non-government organizations, have the same ultimate goal: “to
unite recovery resources with community needs to ensure that even the most vulnerable in the
community recover from disaster, [including terrorist attacks]” (FEMA, 2016, p. 34).
Biblical Perspective
The book John 14:27 says, “peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world
gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid” (English
Standard Version Bible, 2001/2016). This is an inspirational bible verse for those individuals
who have been affected by traumatic experiences. This bible verse reminds us that despite
feeling enslaved by our emotions, the Lord promises eternal peace for those who believe in Him.
References
FEMA. (2016). National disaster recovery framework. Second Edition. | FEMA.gov.
https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/2020-
06/national_disaster_recovery_framework_2nd.pdf
McEntire, D. A. (2018). Introduction to homeland security, 2nd Edition. [VitalSource Bookshelf
version]. Retrieved from vbk://9781119430636
Sheikhi, R. A., Seyedin, H., Qanizadeh, G., & Jahangiri, K. (2020). Role of religious institutions
in disaster risk management: A systematic review. Disaster Medicine and Public Health
Preparedness, 15(2), 239-254. https://doi.org/10.1017/dmp.2019.145
Discussion Responses:
Hi Franceska,
Great discussion on this week’s topic. I agree that the aftermath of a terrorist attack could
potentially disrupt community lifelines. In addition to the key issues that you pointed out, mass
fatality incident is another critical challenge. McEntire (2018) defines a mass fatality incident as
“an attack that creates so many deaths that the processing of remains stretches the government
agencies or is beyond the ability of the local government” (p. 292). A community may not have
the resources necessary to collect, identify, and bury the remains. The National Institute of
Justice (2005) has stressed the need to identify victims correctly because it would satisfy
humanitarian considerations, meet civil and criminal identification needs, and help identify the
perpetrators. McEntire (2018) identified another issue vital to facilitating recovery but is often
neglected—debris management. Terrorist attacks leave behind a tremendous amount of debris
that usually takes months to remove or transfer to another site. This can overwhelm search and
rescue teams, law enforcement, and contractors.
References:
McEntire, D. A. (2018). Introduction to homeland security, 2nd Edition. [VitalSource Bookshelf
version]. Retrieved from vbk://9781119430636
National Institute of Justice. (2005). Mass fatality incidents: A guide for human forensic
identification. Special Report. NCJ 199758. (iii-71).
https://www.ojp.gov/pdffiles1/nij/199758.pdf
Hi Manuel,
Great discussion post on this week’s topic. I agree with your assertion that immediate and proper
care of victims is essential to facilitate the recovery process. In addition to providing medical
attention to victims of terrorism, it is also vital that crisis counseling is also made available to
them. McEntire (2018) describes crisis counseling as “the treatment of psychological problems
that may arise from the stress produced by Terrorism” (p. 295). Hence, terrorism affects people
differently; thus, some may need more help than others to cope with the emotional and
psychological trauma caused by their experience. UNODC (2018) asserts that terrorism can
shatter core beliefs and have an adverse effect on communities. Furthermore, researchers have
also found that the powerful anxiety-inducing media reporting that sensationalizes terrorist acts
may have a negative psychological impact on members of the wider population (UNODC, 2018).
As such, the emotional and psychological effects of terrorism can extend beyond the affected
community.
References:
McEntire, D. A. (2018). Introduction to homeland security, 2nd Edition. [VitalSource Bookshelf
version]. Retrieved from vbk://9781119430636
United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime [UNODC]. (2018). Module 14: Victims of terrorism,
Effects of terrorism: A trauma and victimological
perspective. https://www.unodc.org/e4j/zh/terrorism/module-14/key-issues/effects-of-
terrorism.html
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