We hear
tales of terror from across the globe and worry about our own vulnerability.
Could these heinous acts happen where we are during our normal daily routine?
According to
the book Psychology of Terrorism
edited by Bruce Bongar, the main goals of terrorist acts are to promote
insecurity and disrupt everyday life. We watch repeated news reports with
graphic footage of bombed out buildings, rows of body bags, tearful interviews
of people looking for loved ones, and read names of the dead and injured as if
each victim is personally known to us.
We can’t
help but empathize. Oh my God, that could have been us; that could have been my
daughter; is that my son’s school; my husband isn’t answering his cell phone;
we were JUST there. While we certainly sympathize with the victims and their
families, we can’t help but realize our own helplessness.
The violence
seems random, we never know when or where it will happen. Is there any safe
place to hide? How much do we want to stop living our own lives on the “what if”
scenario? Is it wise just to ignore the possibility no matter how slight we
think it might be?
As Bongor
stated in his book, it is the intention of terrorists to disrupt our lives. Do
we really want to give the terrorists the victory? I don’t. So what are our
options?
Stay
vigilant: the catch-phrase of modern times is If you see something, say something — that’s common sense.
Unattended bags, unexplained packages, heavy coats on a warm/hot day, actually
seeing a weapon being carried into a crowded place, mystery powders... Any of
these may or may not be cause for concern, but if it looks suspicious, let the
proper authorities know. Don’t investigate the briefcase that appears to have
no owner. Don’t enter a room where the multiple occupants appear to be
unconscious or worse.
Always
notice your exit routes. Don’t leave your purse open and unobserved. Never
accept packages from strangers who ask you to just carry it inside. And if, God
forbid, the unthinkable does happen, stay calm and orderly, hold your children’s
hands so they don’t get lost in a crowd, exit if possible with or without your
personal belongings. Don’t tie up phone lines, if they still work they will be
needed for emergencies — if you are letting relatives know you are alright,
call one and ask them to relay the message.
Before any
disaster, whether man-made or natural, you can help prepare yourself, your
family and your home for recovery. First and foremost, take a first aid and CPR
class; in a major disaster medical personnel will be swamped with patients and
resources will be slim so if you or a loved one has a relatively minor injury it
could be a while until someone is able to treat you so if you know what to do,
it will definitely help. Make sure that your children (and pets) carry
identification in case you are separated. Maintain a running inventory of
valuables you have at home and store a digital copy of all vital documents
off-site. Plan a meeting point for family members if you have to leave an area
quickly and may not be together; older children and adults may also arrange to
check in by phone with a long-distance relative.
The main
thing is to LIVE. Be aware, not afraid. Use common sense, remain alert, help
your neighbors, and know that you are not alone.
