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Terrorism and Weapons of Mass Destruction

 

Since the bombing of the World Trade Center in 1993, the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in 1995 and most recently the events of 09/11/01, the threat of terrorism in the United States has become an ever increasing concern. United States citizens as well as emergency responders can no longer take our safety for granted. The University of Illinois Police Department recognizes the terrorist threat and believes all members of the community must work in partnership to ensure everyone’s safety. The University of Illinois Police Department has always engaged in the planning for natural disasters, now we have to add terrorism to our vocabulary.

Working in partnership to protect students, staff, faculty and the learning environment on our campus requires vigilance and the sharing of information. All members of the campus community must constantly remain vigilant. If you see anything that looks suspicious or out of place, call the University of Illinois Police Department at #333-1216. A member of our department will answer 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There are also emergency phones located in all campus building, parking garages and illuminated kiosks throughout campus which connect directly to the University of Illinois Police Department.

 Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building   It should be noted that no intelligence to date indicates that the University of Illinois or its components are a particular terrorist target, however we must be diligent in our efforts to protect our safety. The University of Illinois has been working in partnership with local, state and federal government to update emergency response plans. In the event of a terrorist attack, the University of Illinois Police Department would notify the campus community and provide additional information.
 

 

Preparing for Terrorism / Natural Disaster

 

Ready.Gov  

A terrorist attack will likely come without any warning. The best way to prepare for a terrorist attack or any other emergency is to have an emergency plan in place. Your emergency plan should be based on the most updated information regarding the types of threats which the Department of Homeland Security has identified. Remember, the threat of terrorism does not mean you have to change everything in your life, just be prepared. It is suggested that each person on campus have an emergency readiness kit. It should include at least a three day supply of food and water, clothing, toilet paper, a battery radio tuned to 1400 AM WDWS, a first aid kit and a blanket. Plastic sheeting and duct tape to secure a residence is also recommended.

 

Before, During, and After a Terrorist Incident

 

Before  

  • Be alert and aware of your surroundings. Report anything suspicious.

  • Visit the aforementioned websites for emergency preparedness plans.

  • Know the emergency exits of your residence halls and place of employment.

  • Keep your emergency response kit(s) at your residence, vehicle and place of employment.

  • Do not open mail which looks suspicious (i.e. excessive postage, unknown origin, overseas return address).

During  

  • Never rush into a suspected terrorist event. You probably will not know what agent has been released. Do not become a victim!

  • Decrease your time, increase distance and shielding from the suspected incident.

  • If you are exposed to an agent, do not flee the scene, you may expose others.

  • If an emergency responder (police/fire/ambulance) directs you to do something, do it immediately.
After  
  • If you are a victim of a terrorist incident, expect to undergo decontamination on scene. This will probably involve the fire department using water to wash you down.
     
  • Do not try to enter the scene from a safe location to help affected individuals. You may become a victim yourself. Report any suspicious activity to law enforcement.
     
  • Remember, some of the victims may actually be suspects.

Remember, it may be necessary to “shelter in place” if a weapons of mass destruction incident occurs. “Shelter in place” is a term which refers to staying where you are at (such as inside a building or other place of shelter) in order to avoid being contaminated with whatever agent may have been dispersed. With many types of agents, the best way to protect yourself is by staying indoors and not leaving until authorities have deemed it safe to do so. If a full evacuation is necessary, authorities will notify the community immediately and will provide information regarding locations of safety.

 

Information on and Descriptions of Terrorists Threats

 

  Chemical
Threats		 Chemical Threats
     

  •  A Chemical attack is the deliberate release of a toxic gas, liquid or solid that can poison people and the environment.

  • Quickly try to define the area which was affected and seek “clean air.”

  • Stay upwind, uphill and upstream from any suspected contaminated areas.

  • Signs and symptoms of individuals who have been affected by chemical agents include convulsions, difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness, nausea, vomiting, and severe coughing.

  • Certain chemical agents like mustard gas will redden the skin and cause severe skin and eye irritation.

  • Remove all clothing and other items in contact with the body. Cut off contaminated clothing to avoid contact with eyes, nose and mouth.

  • Decontaminate exposed skin with soap and water.

  • Flush eyes with lots of water.

  • Seek immediate medical assistance.
  Biological
Threats		 Biological Threats
     

  • Biological attacks are the deliberate release of germs or other biological substances that can make you sick.

  • Biological agents are dangerous because they can be spread by natural convection or air currents. Ventilation systems in buildings or transportation facilities may actually become part of the dissemination system.

  • Signs and symptoms of individuals who have been exposed to biological agents vary depending on the organism. Most signs and symptoms include flu-like symptoms (i.e. nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, severe fever).

  • These signs will probably be reported by health care officials at local hospitals.

  • If you suspect your skin or clothing has come into contact with a potentially infectious substance, remove and bag your clothing. Wash yourself with soapy water immediately. Put on clean clothes and seek medical assistance.
  Radiological
Threats		 Radiological Threats
     

  • Radiological attacks, commonly referred to as “dirty bombs” are the use of

  • conventional explosives to spread radioactive materials over a targeted area.

  • While the explosion will be obvious, the presence of radiation will not.

  • If you hear an explosion and/or you are warned of a radiation release, cover your nose and mouth and go inside to a place of shelter that has not been damaged.

  • Close windows and doors, turn off air conditioners, heaters or other ventilation systems.

  • If you think you have been exposed to radiation, take off your clothes and wash your body as soon as possible.

  • Stay where you are and check official news as it becomes available.  
  Nuclear
Threats		 Nuclear Threats
     

  • A nuclear blast is an explosion which creates intense heat, a pressure wave and widespread radioactive material which can poison the air, water and ground surfaces.

  • Take cover immediately to limit the amount of radioactivity absorbed.

  • If you take shelter, go as far underground as possible.

  • Decrease your time, increase your distance and shielding to reduce your risks.

  • Use available information to assess the threat of radioactive exposure. If you think you have been exposed to radiation, health care authorities may advise you to take potassium iodide. Potassium iodide is the same stuff added to your table salt to make it iodized and it protects your thyroid gland which is particularly vulnerable to radioactive poisoning. Consider placing this in your emergency kit. Plan to speak to your health care provider in advance for appropriate dosage.
  Explosive
Threats		 Explosive Threats
     

  • If there is an explosion, take shelter against anything sturdy.

  • If the explosion is in the building you are in, exit immediately without using the elevators.

  • If you see smoke, crawl on the floor.

  • Use a wet cloth or anything available to cover your mouth and nose.

  • Never go back into a burning building.

  • If you are trapped in debris from a collapsed building, avoid unnecessary movement so you don’t kick up dust. Breathing in dust can be dangerous.

  • If possible use a flashlight or whistle to signal rescuers.

  • Always assume that an explosion is releasing some dangerous material.

  • Decrease your time, increase your distance and shielding to avoid any potential contamination.

 

Identifying Suspicious Packages and Envelopes

 

 USPS Suspicious Mail
     
Some characteristics of suspicious packages and envelopes include the following:
  • Inappropriate or unusual labeling
    • Excessive postage
    • Handwritten or poorly typed addresses
    • Misspellings of common words
    • Strange return address or no return address
    • Incorrect titles or title without a name
    • Not addressed to a specific person
    • Marked with restrictions, such as Personal, Confidential, or Do Not X-ray
    • Marked with any threatening language
    • Postmarked from a city or state that does not match the return address
  • Appearance
    • Powdery substance felt through or appearing on the package or envelope
    • Oily stains, discolorations, or odor
    • Lopsided or uneven envelope
    • Excessive packaging material such as masking tape, string, etc.
  • Other suspicious signs
    • Excessive weight
    • Ticking sound
    • Protruding wires or aluminum foil

Handling of Suspicious Packages or Envelopes

If a package or envelope appears suspicious, DO NOT OPEN IT.

DO NOT TOUCH IT - leave it where it is.

Do not sniff, touch, taste, or look closely at it or at any contents which may have spilled.

Alert others in the area about the suspicious package or envelope. Leave the area, close any doors, and take actions to prevent other from entering the area. If possible, shut off the ventilation system.

Wash hands with soap and water to prevent spreading potentially infectious material to face or skin. Seek additional instructions for exposed or potentially exposed persons.

If at work, call University of Illinois Police at 9-911. If at home, contact the local law enforcement agency.

If possible, create a list of persons who were in the room or area when this suspicious letter or package was recognized and a list of persons who also may have handled this package or letter. Give this list to both the local public health authorities and law enforcement officials.

THREATS & PROTECTION
U.S. Department of Homeland Security

The following is the Department of Homeland Security’s Advisory System.
This should provide some insight as to what the “color system” actually means.

Homeland Security Advisory System
 

CODE RED There is a severe risk of terrorist attacks. Warnings and threats will be disseminated as appropriate to local, state and federal agencies.

Severe
CODE ORANGE There is a high risk terrorist attacks. Key local and state agencies are notified and regulatory agencies issue appropriate alerts to critical infrastructure, including utilities and medical facilities. High
CODE YELLOW There is a significant risk of terrorist attacks. In addition to the actions taken under lower threat levels, agencies should consider increasing surveillance of critical infrastructure and significant locations and assessing and disseminating information as appropriate. Elevated
CODE BLUE There is a general risk of terrorist attacks. Agencies as well as the civilian population should review communication procedures with local first responders and law enforcement officials. Guarded
CODE GREEN There is a low risk of terrorist attacks. State agencies and private industry should continue general safety measures and consider reviewing and updating safety and evacuation plans, ensuring personnel receive proper training on implementing safety and evacuation plans and conduct regular risk and security assessments of key infrastructure. Low
 
The Department of Homeland Security’s color-coded Threat Level System is used to communicate with public safety officials and the general public so that protective measures can be implemented to harden targets and deter future attacks.

Contact Information

Emergency and Non-Emergency Phone Numbers

  • 911 (9-911 from campus) for all emergency calls (police/fire/ambulance)

  • 333-1216 for the University of Illinois Police Department

  • 265-8473 Universtity of Illinois Critical Incident Newsline (activated only during emergencies)

  • 384-2320 for the Urbana Police Department

  • 351-4545 for the Champaign Police Department

  • 383-3313 for Carle Hospital

  • 337-2131 for Covenant Hospital

  • 337-2911 for ambulance services

 Web Sites to Search for Emergency Information

 
 

1110 W. Springfield Ave.
Urbana, Illinois 61801

 Non Emergency 217-333-1216
217/244-7209 (TTY)
Emergency 9-911 from a campus phone
911 off campus