KEEPING SANTA BARBARA COUNTY SAFE AND SOUND
County agencies and departments are working with community groups and individuals using a regional approach to disaster preparedness. You are a vital part of the preparedness plan.
TERRORISM PREPAREDNESS
There is no indication that Santa Barbara County is a terrorist target however, Santa Barbara County Emergency Response Agencies have plans in place to address potential acts of terrorism which are similar to our Natural Disaster Preparedness Plans that have been in place for many years.
WHAT IS TERRORISM?
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) defines terrorism as "the unlawful use of force or violence against persons or property to intimidate or coerce a government, the civilian population, or any segment thereof, in furtherance of political or social objectives." Images of the attacks on the World Trade Center in New York, the Pentagon in Virginia, the plane crash in Pennsylvania, the Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City and the Olympic Centennial Park in Atlanta are hard to forget. These terrorist incidents caused thousands of deaths and injuries and billions of dollars in property losses. They also inflicted a huge emotional toll within the impacted communities and throughout the world.
- According to the FBI, sporting events, political conventions and other special occasions are attractive opportunities for domestic and foreign terrorists.
- Although bombing has been the most popular method used in recent terrorist incidents in the United States, terrorism can occur in several forms.
- In recent years, terrorists have used arson, hijackings and shootings to attain their political and social goals.
- Terrorists can also use chemical or biological agents.
- Because people may not become ill immediately after being exposed to a biological agent, it may take some time for government officials to determine that such an attack has occurred.
- In the event of an attack, government officials will instruct the public on what actions they should take.
- It’s important that you remain calm and cooperate fully with local officials.
- Failure to follow instructions from local officials could cost you and others their lives.
- In the event of a chemical or biological attack, instructions will be provided by local public health and safety officials on personal protection, decontamination and health warnings.
- Information will be provided via radio, television and the print media.
COMBATING TERRORISM
- As we’ve seen in the last several years, domestic and international terrorists can strike at any time.
- To combat the threat of terrorism, emergency services officials representing all levels of government continue to work together to develop and implement effective strategies for preventing and responding to incidents.
- The public also has a role in reducing the impact of terrorism on their lives.
- Suggestions on how to be better prepared at home and work follow:
BEFORE AN ATTACK
- Prepare for the possibility of a terrorist attack which may affect you.
- Learn about the nature of terrorism.
- Terrorists look for highly visible targets such as international airports, large cities, major international events, resorts and high-profile landmarks.
- Prior to an attack, terrorists try to blend into the local community.
- Report any suspicious activities to your local authorities.
- Preparing for terrorist attacks is the same as preparing for earthquakes, fires and other emergencies.
- Observe the environment.
- Terrorists most often strike with little or no warning.
- Use caution when you travel.
- Observe and report unusual or suspicious activity to the proper authorities.
- Keep your packages with you at all times.
- Do not accept packages from strangers. Locate stairways and emergency exits and develop plans for evacuating buildings, subways and crowded public areas.
- Create an emergency communications plan.
- Choose an
out-of-town contact that your family or household can call to check on
each other.
COUNTY TERRORISM PREPAREDNESS - WHAT'S BEING DONE?
- Local emergency responders have received advanced terrorism training.
- County staff are monitoring worldwide activities at the County Emergency Operations Center.
- In 1999, the Santa Barbara County Terrorism Working Group (TWG) was formed, comprised of city, county and special districts.
Public Health Department
- The
Sheriff's Department
- The Sheriff’s Department
created a Mobile Field Force to respond to large-scale incidents.
- Local law enforcement agencies are conducting ongoing threat assessments.
- Ongoing communications and coordination have been established with the California Anti-Terrorism Information Center on national, state and local terrorism issues.
- The County Fire Department has enhanced it's Hazardous Materials and Urban Search and Rescue Teams.
- New equipment and tools have been purchased for Fire Department Hazardous Materials Response Teams to assist them should they have to deal with an incident involving nuclear, biological or chemical incidents
- County Fire OES has secured special terrorism grant funding which has provided emergency decontamination equipment for hospitals countywide.
The 1st Bi-Lingual CERT Class was taught at Santa Barbara County Fire Station 11.
Santa Barbara County Fire Hospital Hazmat Training has been conducted county-wide to help prepare emergency room personnel.
Fire Department / Training
- County Fire Department Hazmat Response Team Personnel and OES Staff are providing WMD (Weapons of Mass Destruction) Hospital Hazmat training countywide.
- County Firefighters and OES Staff are conducting countywide Community Emergency Response Training (CERT) for the citizens of Santa Barbara County.
NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS - WHAT'S BEING DONE?
-
The
Nation requires a Homeland Security Advisory System to provide a
comprehensive and effective means to disseminate information regarding the
risk of terrorist acts to Federal, State, and local authorities and to the
American people. - Such a system would provide warnings in the form of a set of graduated "Threat Conditions" that would increase as the risk of the threat increases.
- At each Threat Condition, Federal departments and agencies would implement a corresponding set of "Protective Measures" to further reduce vulnerability or increase response capability during a period of heightened alert.
- This system is intended to create a common vocabulary, context, and structure for an ongoing national discussion about the nature of the threats that confront the homeland and the appropriate measures that should be taken in response.
- It seeks to inform and facilitate decisions appropriate to different levels of government and to private citizens at home and at work.
THREAT CONDITIONS
Low Condition: Green
Low risk of terrorist attacks. The following Protective Measures may be applied:
-
Develop a personal disaster plan and assemble a disaster supply kit.
Sources: American Red Cross, Dept. of Homeland Security
Guarded Condition: Blue
General risk of terrorist attack. In addition to the previously outlined Protective Measures, the following may be applied:
- Review stored disaster supplies and replace items that are outdated.
- Develop an emergency communication plan that all family members understand.
- Establish an alternate meeting place away from home with family/friends.
- Plan for family members with special needs and those who depend on you.
- Additional information available at www.redcross.org and www.dhs.gov
Elevated Condition: Yellow
Significant risk of terrorist attacks. In addition to the previously outlined Protective Measures, the following may be applied:
- Be alert to suspicious activity and report it to proper authorities.
- Ensure disaster supply kit is stocked and ready.
- Check telephone numbers and e-mail addresses in your family emergency communication plan and update as necessary.
- Increasing surveillance of critical locations;
- Coordinating emergency plans with nearby jurisdictions;
- Assessing further refinement of Protective Measures within the context of the current threat information; and
- Implementing, as appropriate, contingency and emergency response plans.
High Condition: Orange
High risk of terrorist attacks. In addition to the previously outlined Protective Measures, the following may be applied:
- Avoid, if possible, high profile or symbolic locations.
- Review disaster plan with all family members.
- Have out-of-state contact phone number to use if separated from your family.
- Exercise caution when traveling.
- Coordinating necessary security efforts with armed forces or law enforcement agencies;
- Taking additional precaution at public events;
- Preparing to work at an alternate site or with a dispersed workforce; and
- Restricting access to essential personnel only.
Severe Condition: Red
Severe risk of terrorist attacks. In addition to the previously outlined Protective Measures, the following may be applied:
- Listen to radio/TV for current information/instructions.
- Report suspicious activity to proper authorities immediately.
- Contact your business/school to determine status of work/school day.
- Follow any travel restrictions given by local government.
- Be prepared to shelter-in-place or evacuate if instructed by local government.
- Comfort children and discuss fears concerning actual or possible attacks.
- Assigning emergency response personnel and pre-positioning specially trained teams;
- Monitoring, redirecting or constraining transportation systems;
- Closing public and government facilities; and
- Increasing or redirecting personnel to address critical emergency needs.
WHAT'S YOUR LEVEL OF NATURAL DISASTER / TERRORISM PREPAREDNESS?
- Emergency response personnel are acutely aware that in a disaster the entire community needs to be part of the solution.
- Our residents will need to take personal responsibility for their own preparedness and provided assistance to their neighbors.
- Preparing for terrorism is the same as preparing for earthquakes, fires, floods, windstorms and other natural disasters.
- Making our communities disaster / terrorism resistant is a shared responsibility, we all must do our part.
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO PREPARE?
- Plan and Prepare to be self-sufficient for 72-hours (3-days).
- Create an emergency communications plan for you and your family.
- Be sure to include an out-of-town friend or relative.
- Have a plan that includes pre-planning locations for more than one phone access including home or office phone, cellular phone or pay phone.
- Check on the school and day care emergency plans for your school age children.
- Read and fully understand the plans.
- Know where the emergency exits, staircases and fire extinguishers are at home, at work and when traveling.
- Practice Emergency Evacuation Procedures.
- Be prepared to do without services you normally depend on, such as electricity, telephone, natural gas, gasoline pumps, ATM machines and internet transactions.
- Learn what to do if asked by officials to "Shelter In Place" (remain indoors or in your car) or to "Evacuate" (leave the area).
- Assemble a Disaster Kit for your family in easy to carry containers.
Include a three-day supply of:
- Water
- Non-Perishable Food
- First-Aid Kit
- Prescriptions
- Medications
- Flashlights with New Batteries
- Battery Powered Radio for Emergency Instructions
- Don't forget about the needs for your family pets including food and water.
"DURING A HEIGHTENED STATE OF ALERT" you should:
- Be patient with public safety and security personnel, increased security in public places means longer lines and delays.
- These inconveniences are for everyone's safety.
- Be patient with others.
- Everyone is more emotional and concerned these days, so be more tolerant of others.
- Be discriminating about what you hear.
- Is the information from an "Official" source, or could it be just another rumor?
- Stay informed via the news media for up-to-the minute information during an actual emergency.
- Be aware of your surroundings and report any suspicious activities to local authorities by dialing 9-1-1.
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS:
- American Red Cross
- Federal Emergency Management (FEMA) / FEMA Home Page
- Federal Emergency Management (FEMA) / Terrorism Information
- Homeland Security
- Center for Disease Control
- Santa Barbara County Public Health Department
- Federal Governments Website for Public Preparedness
- FBI
- U.S. Department of Education / Help With Children's Anxiety
- Oklahoma City Center for the Prevention of Terrorism / Quality Information and Links