Human Attacks

Whether you are on your way to work, shopping at a store, or traveling on vacation, remember: We all play a role in keeping our communities safe. Remember to stay alert and say something when you see something suspicious. The below activities should only be reported if they are conducted in a manner that would arouse suspicion of terrorism.

• Expressed or Implied Threat: Communicating a spoken or written threat to commit a crime that could harm or kill people or damage a facility, infrastructure, or secured site.
• Observation / Surveillance: A prolonged or unusual interest in facilities, buildings, or infrastructure beyond casual or professional interest.
• Photography: Taking pictures or videos of persons, facilities, buildings, or infrastructure in a covert manner, such as photos or video of security related equipment or personnel, infrequently used access points, or structure of a building.
• Theft / Loss / Diversion: Stealing or diverting items—such as equipment, uniforms, or badges—that belong to a facility or secured site.
• Testing or Probing of Security: Challenging or testing a facility's security or IT systems to assess the strength or weakness of the target.
• Aviation Activity: Operating or interfering with the operation of an aircraft that poses a threat of harm to people and property.
• Breach / Attempted Intrusion: Unauthorized people trying to enter a restricted area or impersonating authorized personnel.
• Misrepresentation: Presenting false information or misusing documents to conceal possible illegal activity.
• Eliciting Information: Questioning personnel beyond mere curiosity about an event, facility, or operations.
• Acquisition of Expertise: Gaining skills or knowledge on a specific topic, such as facility security, military tactics, or flying an aircraft.
• Cyberattack: Disrupting or compromising an organization’s information technology systems.
• Recruiting / Financing: Funding suspicious or criminal activity or recruiting people to participate in criminal or terrorist activity.
• Sabotage / Tampering / Vandalism: Damaging or destroying part of a facility, infrastructure, or secured site.
• Materials Acquisition / Storage: Acquisition and/or storage of unusual materials such as cell phones, radio controllers, or toxic materials.
• Weapons Collection / Storage: Collection or discovery of unusual amounts of weapons including explosives, chemicals, or other destructive materials.
• Sector-Specific Incident: Actions which raise concern to specific sectors (e.g., power plant) with regard to their personnel, facilities, systems, or functions.

• Stay alert. Always be aware of your environment and any possible dangers.
• If you see something, say something to local authorities. That includes suspicious packages, people behaving strangely or someone using strange communications.
• Observe warning signs. Signs might include unusual or violent communications, substance abuse, expressed anger or intent to cause harm. These warning signs may increase over time.
• Have an exit plan. Identify exits and areas to hide wherever you go, including work, school and special events.
• Learn lifesaving skills. Take trainings such as Stop the Bleed and first aid/CPR to assist the wounded before help arrives.

During an Attack

Run to Safety

• Seek safety. Getting away from the attacker is the top priority.
• Leave your belongings behind and get away.
• Call 9-1-1 when you are safe and describe the attacker, location and weapons.

Cover and Hide

• Cover and hide if you can’t evacuate. Find a place to hide out of view of the attacker and put a solid barrier between yourself and the threat if possible.
• Lock and block doors, close blinds and turn off lights.
• Keep silent.

Defend, Disrupt, Fight

• Fight only as a last resort. When you can’t run or cover, attempt to disrupt the attack or disable the attacker.
• Be aggressive and commit to your actions.
• Recruit others to ambush the attacker with makeshift weapons such as chairs, fire extinguishers, scissors, books, etc.
• Be prepared to cause severe or lethal injury to the attacker.

Help the Wounded

• Take care of yourself first and then, if you are able, help the wounded get to safety and provide immediate care. Call 9-1-1 when it is safe for you to do so.

After an Attack

• Remain calm and follow instructions.
• Keep hands visible and empty.
• Report to designated areas to provide information and get help.
• Follow law enforcement’s instructions and evacuate in the direction they tell you to go. Listen to law enforcement for information about the situation. Share updates as you can with family and friends.
• Be mindful of your mental health. If needed, seek help for you and your family to cope with the trauma.

There are three basic groups of biological agents that could either accidentally or intentionally hurt someone: bacteria, viruses and toxins. Biological agents can be spread when they get sprayed into the air, with person-to-person contact, when animals are infected and then interact with people, or when food and water are contaminated.

• Watch TV, listen to the radio or check the Internet for official news and information including:
  • Signs and symptoms of the disease
  • Areas in danger
  • If medications or vaccinations are being distributed
  • Where to seek medical attention if you become ill
• Quickly get away from the area if you notice a suspicious substance.
• Cover your mouth and nose with layers of fabric that can filter the air but still allow you to breath. Examples include two to three layers of cotton such as a t-shirt, handkerchief or towel.
• Depending on the situation, wear a face mask to reduce inhaling or spreading germs.
• If you have been exposed to a biological agent, remove and bag your clothes and personal items. Follow official instructions for disposal of contaminated items.
• Wash yourself with soap and water and put on clean clothes.
• Contact authorities and seek medical assistance. You may be advised to stay away from others or even to quarantine.
• If your symptoms match those described and you are in the group considered at risk, immediately seek emergency medical attention.
• Follow the instructions of doctors and other public health officials.
• Avoid crowds.
• Wash your hands with soap and water frequently.
• Do not share food or utensils.