Terrorism and Other Public Health Threats

Overview

Preparing for disaster

Natural disasters, disease outbreaks, accidents involving hazardous substances, terrorist attacks using biological or chemical weapons—these public health threats are unfortunate realities of modern life.

Disasters can affect air quality, cause shortages of safe water and food, and cut off your access to electricity, gas, telephone, and other services. Family members may be separated. Hospitals and other health services may be overwhelmed during public health emergencies.

Being prepared to deal with these possibilities may help to reassure you and your family. Although disasters are difficult to anticipate and are usually out of your control, you can take measures to safeguard your health and well-being.

So, what can you do to be prepared?

1. Learn how specific public health threats might affect you and what you can do to reduce the risk to your health and safety. This topic explains how harmful bacteria and viruses, dangerous chemicals, and other health hazards can spread through a community and how you can limit your exposure to them.
2. Develop an emergency plan and gather the needed supplies to provide for yourself and your family during a community emergency. This topic includes tips on what to include in an emergency plan and what supplies to have on hand.
3. Always refer to local authorities and health experts for specific, up-to-date information for your community. Follow their advice, even if it differs from this topic.
4. Learn basic first aid skills such as CPR, and have access to first aid information in case of injuries.

Following these important steps can help you feel better prepared for any type of public health threat, intentional or otherwise.

Health threats in your community

Chemicals, fumes, viruses, bacteria, low-level radiation, and other potentially harmful substances are common in our environment. When these substances are released in large quantities or get out of control as a result of an accident or a deliberate action, they can become immediate public health threats. Guidelines for how to prepare for and avoid a problem often depend on how the particular agent is spread.

In general, a health threat may spread through a community:

• Through the air.
• Through the water supply or through food.
• From human to human.
• From animal or insect to human.

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Author:	Bets Davis, MFA	Last Updated: April 1, 2009
Medical Review:	E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine Christine Hahn, MD - Epidemiology
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