NCJ Number
189716
Date Published
April 2001
Length
62 pages
Annotation
The purpose of this guide prepared by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is to aid State and local emergency planners in developing a Terrorist Incident Appendix to an Emergency Operations Plan for incidents involving weapons of mass destruction.
Abstract
Local governments have primary responsibility in planning for and managing the aftereffects of a terrorist incident before Federal assistance arrives. A Terrorist Incident Appendix (TIA) is part of an Emergency Operations Plan. The guide summarizes the response for local planners to take. A call to the 911 center may be the first action notifying authorities of an incident. First responders will likely be the first to detect an incident. Chemical agents injure people through physiological effects, requiring immediate medical attention. Biological incidents may have a longer incubation period, but they could be detected through the discovery of dissemination devices or a clandestine lab. Other incidents could come from radiation releases or conventional explosives. Vulnerabilities of potential targets should be identified. Models are available that estimate the effects of an incident. The TIA should explain the local jurisdiction's overall concept, including "rules of engagement" for command, for responding to an incident. The guide summarizes needed elements during the response to an incident, such as direction and control, communications, public information, and care for the victims. The TIA should define response roles of local emergency responders, officials among neighboring jurisdictions, State emergency responders and Federal emergency responders. Tab A is a suggested format for the TIA. Tab B lists the Federal agencies that have counter-terrorism roles, what specific offices in those agencies do, and Web sites. Tab C lists hotlines and online resources. Tab D lists incident indications, such as the effects of a biological attack, and what the concerns should be for first responders. Tab E lists areas that are vulnerable, such as airports and government facilities. Tab F is a list of definitions. Tab G is a list of acronyms. 5 tables, figure