What can citizens do to prepare for terrorist attacks in their own community?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

A little advance planning could protect families and property if an attack knocks out access to home, food, water, and money. Households should have on hand three days worth of water and food; an emergency supply kit for both home and automobile; radios with extra batteries; and plastic sheeting and duct tape to seal windows and doors.
First, take the time to get informed. Go online and take the NIMS training course at http://training.fema.gov/IS/NIMS.aspx. Second, arrange a way for family members to contact each other such as through an out-of-town relative. Third, designate a meeting place in case telephone service is knocked out by an attack. Make sure to check out the government's guidelines on assembling a "disaster plan," taking other steps to protect people and property at nominal expense. Such a guide can be found at http://www.fema.gov/areyouready/.
Other top tips include:
• Identify two meeting places: One near home and the second away from the neighborhood in case home cannot be approached.
• Find out the emergency response plans of employers, school, daycare, and other officials.
• Keep life, property, health, and other insurance policies current, and know their terms. Store copies of these and other important documents—identification, deeds, wills, a small amount of cash—in a watertight container.
• Have a plan for pets, since shelters do not allow them.
• Assemble a disaster supply kit and keep it in a designated place where it is ready to grab and go. It should include bottled water, food, and emergency supplies, perhaps kept in backpacks or duffel bags.
• With guidance from doctor or pharmacist, store prescription drugs and an extra set of prescription glasses.
• First aid kit.