Terrorism is no longer something that only happens to other countries. Attacks on US soil in the 1990’s brought the reality of terrorism home and the Sept 11th tragedy let us know that the United States is a high priority target. The goal of today’s terrorist is body count, and while traditional bombings have served them in the past, the allure of killing thousands of people with a very small amount of biological or chemical agent will prove irresistible. Our only defense on the front line is a well-prepared emergency response team. The key to an effective terrorist response is to understand and contain the hazardous materials involved. Counter-Terrorism for Emergency Responders, Second Edition meticulously details the characteristics, actions, identification, containment, and emergency treatment of all types of agents. Drastically updated from the 1999 edition, chapter after chapter is packed with new information on chemical agents, biological agents, and explosive, nuclear, and incendiary devices. Using his 26 years of experience in emergency services and his skills as a hazardous materials consultant in more than 15 states, the author prepares the first responder to handle everything from re-establishing control and on-scene triage to investigating the crime. Including information on pre-incident and avoidance tactics, the author provides new monitoring and detection techniques, protective equipment and decontamination, and an extensive list of resource organizations and training opportunities. The worst may never happen to your community, but will you be prepared if it does?

The United States is a high priority target, and the goal of today's terrorist is body count. Our enemies can kill thousands with just a small amount of chemical or biological agent. This book details the characteristics, actions, identification, and containment of possible agents. With chapters on chemical agents, biological agents, explosive, nuclear, and incendiary devices, the author prepares the first responder to handle everything from re-establishing control and on-scene triage, to monitoring and detection techniques, decontamination, and training resources. It provides step-by-step procedures for recognizing and identifying terrorist incidents. Explores scene security, crime scene, isolation issues and recommended protective equipment and decontamination procedures. Provides guidance for all emergency responders to terrorist incidents, including fire, EMS, and law enforcement.

What do the World Trade Center, Atlanta Olympic Park, Oklahoma City , and the chemical attacks in Japan have in common? They are all terrorist attacks. While "It can't happen here" is still a common mind-set, chemical and biological agent attacks, bombings, nuclear devices, and incendiary devices can indeed happen in any community. The resulting loss of life and disruption of lifestyle caused by these potential incidents is too great to ignore. Where ever and however the attacks occur, it is the local emergency responder who has to answer the call, provide security to the site, give aide to the wounded and, in some cases, literally put out the fire. Counter-Terrorism for Emergency Responders suggests that while these chemical attacks are not unlike other types of hazardous materials incidents, they also include additional special circumstances. With the information in this book, emergency response teams will be prepared to handle all types of hazardous materials and effectively deal with chemical and biological agents. In providing step-by-step instructions for recognition and identification procedures, this book explores security and isolation zones, as well as the use of protective equipment and decontamination procedures. Counter-Terrorism for Emergency Responders guides those who are responsible for providing aid and comfort to the victims at terrorist sites, whether foreign or domestic. This includes emergency medical responders, firefighters, and police.

Using the authors many years of experience in emergency services and his skills as a hazardous materials consultant, prepares the first responder to handle everything from re-establishing control and on-scene triage to investigating the crime. Including information on pre-incident and avoidance tactics, the author also discusses monitoring and detection techniques, protective equipment and decontamination, and an extensive list of resource organizations and training opportunities. This up-to-date 3rd edition is written to provide concise information for emergency responders who might be called upon to confront explosive, chemical, nuclear, biological, or incendiary acts of terrorism.

Introduces readers to the world of homeland security and provides them with up-to-date information on recent attacks, new terrorist threats, visible terrorist organizations, current dilemmas, updated research, and best practices This book provides comprehensive coverage of issues relating to terrorism, terrorist behavior, homeland security policies, and emergency management. It offers a foundation that spans the readily apparent chasm between the homeland security and disaster communities, and covers the stages of emergency management with a focus on terrorism prevention and response. Based on both the academic literature and practical understanding, the book includes research findings, covering theory and principles as well as their application. Introduction to Homeland Security: Understanding Terrorism Prevention and Emergency Management, Second Edition teaches how to define homeland security, understand how it changed after 9/11, and explore its relationship with emergency management; recognize the causes of terrorism and what prompts people to engage in terrorist attacks; assess the trade-offs between security and rights, and understand how terrorism exploits the tension between these two priorities; work to prevent terrorist attacks through intelligence gathering, by promoting laws that prohibit terrorism, and by protecting borders and various sectors of society; prepare for a terrorist attack by creating an advisory council, passing ordinances, acquiring monetary resources, and establishing an EOC; effectively respond to a terrorist attack through the many functions involved, including the protection of first responders and the decontamination of the victims; recover from a terrorist attack through both short-term and long-term measures; anticipate the current challenges faced in homeland security; and comprehend the various types of attacks that might take place in the future. The second edition: Covers the four traditional phases of emergency response, with a focus on terrorism prevention and infrastructure protection Includes new content such as recent domestic and international terrorist attacks including the attacks in Paris and Boston Has a strong "practitioner" approach and draws upon a solid foundation of academic literature in the field Discusses the roles and responsibilities of government agencies, non-government organizations, and individual citizens Introduction to Homeland Security is an excellent book for all scholars, students, and practitioners interested or involved in homeland security and emergency management.

The only way to deal effectively with terrorism is to have a thorough understanding of its present-day characteristics. Who is involved and what weapons and tactics are they likely to use? The players on the counterterrorism team need to take stock of what is in their tool kits; what works and what doesn't work; and what new capabilities need to be developed in order to face not only today's terrorist, but tomorrow's as well. The Counterterrorism Handbook: Tactics, Procedures, and Techniques lays out a comprehensive strategy of how to deal with an entire range of possible terrorist incidents in a language friendly to first responders, policymakers, and security personnel. It covers everything from bombings and hostage-taking, to nuclear terrorism and what needs to be done before, during, and after an event. The authors each bring to the table unique insights and real-world experiences based on years in the counterterrorism field. Their hands-on knowledge of the topic infuse the book with a down-to-earth practicality often missing from other counterterrorism studies. The Counterterrorism Handbook: Tactics, Procedures, and Techniques is a must-read for anyone who may have to cope with a serious terrorist attack.

A comprehensive guide to understanding, assessing, and responding to terrorism in this modern age This book provides readers with a thorough understanding of the types of attacks that may be perpetrated, and how to identify potential targets, conduct a meaningful vulnerability analysis, and apply protective measures to secure personnel and facilities. The new edition of Understanding, Assessing, and Responding to Terrorism updates existing material and includes several new topics that have emerged, including information on new international terrorist groups as well as a new chapter on Regulations and Standards. A vulnerability analysis methodology, consisting of several steps—which include the techniques necessary to conduct a vulnerability analysis—is introduced and applied through several sample scenarios. By using easily customized templates for the screening process, valuation of a critical asset as a target, vulnerability analysis, security procedures, emergency response procedures, and training programs, the book offers a practical step-by-step process to help reduce risk. Each different type of terrorism is briefly discussed—however, the book focuses on those potential attacks that may involve weapons of mass destruction. There is a discussion of what physical and administrative enhancements can be implemented to improve a facility's ability to devalue, detect, deter, deny, delay, defend, respond, and recover to a real or threatened terrorist attack—whether it be at a facility, or in the community. Techniques on how personnel safety and security can be improved through the implementation of counter-terrorism programs are also outlined. An overview of the major counter-terrorism regulations and standards are presented, along with the significant governmental efforts that have been implemented to help prevent terrorist attacks and foster preparedness at both private and public sector facilities and for personnel. Understanding, Assessing, and Responding to Terrorism, Second Edition: Updates existing material, plus includes several new topics that have emerged including information on new international terrorist groups, new terrorist tactics, cyber terrorism, and Regulations and Standards Outlines techniques for improving facility and personnel safety and security through the implementation of counter-terrorism programs Unites the emergency response/public sector community with the private sector over infrastructure protection, thus allowing for easier communication between them Includes questions/exercises at the end of each chapter and a solutions manual to facilitate its use as a textbook Understanding, Assessing, and Responding to Terrorism, Second Edition is a must-have reference for private and public sector risk managers, safety engineers, security professionals, facility managers, emergency responders, and others charged with protecting facilities and personnel from all types of hazards (accidental, intentional, and natural).