• Appendix C: Terrorism

    C-1:  General Information

    The terrorist attacks in September 2001 have brought to light the need for school crisis management plans to include strategies to protect students and staff in the event of subsequent attacks.  Two key variables in responding to a terrorist attack are the nature of the terrorist threat and how much warning time there is available.  In all cases of terrorist threat school officials should establish and maintain close communication with local public safety officials.

    C–2: Types of Terrorist Attacks

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) categorizes terrorism in the United States as one of two types—domestic terrorism or international terrorism. 

    C–3: Domestic Terrorism: Involves groups or individuals whose terrorist activities are directed at elements of our government or population without foreign direction.

    C–4: International Terrorism: Involves groups or individuals whose terrorist activities are foreign-based and/or directed by countries or groups outside the United States or whose activities transcend national boundaries.  According to the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA), the weapons of mass destruction (WMD) likely to be used by terrorists fall into four categories:

    1) Conventional,

    2) Chemical,

    3) Biological, and

    4) Nuclear.

    Specific guidelines for schools have not yet been developed; however, some preliminary considerations are set forth below:

    C–5: Conventional Weapons:

    Conventional weapons include bombs and other explosive devices.  The Department of Defense estimates that as many as 26 nations may possess chemical agents and/or weapons and an additional 12 may be seeking to develop them.  The Central Intelligence Agency reports that at least ten countries are believed to possess or be conducting research on biological agents for weaponization.  The goal for schools is to place students and staff in a protected space and/or to increase the distance from the blast area. Suggestions include:

    • Move to basement rooms, if possible.
    • Move to interior hallways, away from windows, closing doors to exterior rooms.
    • Students/staff assume “duck and cover” position.
    • Shut off gas utilities.
    • If school buildings themselves are targeted, evacuate to other schools or community spaces such as community centers or churches
    • Release students to their parents/other authorized persons in accordance with emergency release procedures.

    C–6: Chemical Weapons:

    Chemical agents are poisonous gases, liquids or solids that have toxic effects on people, animals or plants. Most chemical agents cause serious injuries or death.

    The goal for schools is to limit exposure to contaminated air. Some suggestions include:

    • In the absence of gas masks which are not available in sufficient quantity and present other practical problems, get all students into buildings, close all windows and doors, and shut off heat, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.
    • Ground level spaces are preferable to basement areas because vapors may settle and become trapped in basements.
    • Decisions to evacuate should be based on reliable information from public safety officials about the location of the chemical release and the direction and speed of winds carrying the agent toward or away from the school.
    • If students are released to parents, procedures to minimize the penetration of airborne substances must be employed.

    C–7: Biological Weapons:

    Biological agents are organisms or toxins that have illness-producing effects on people, livestock and crops.  They can be dispersed as aerosols or airborne particles.  Biological weapons present a particular challenge because symptoms may not present for days or weeks following exposure.  Schools must rely on medical expertise in the development of procedures for responding to biological attack. Consider the following:

    • If an attack is identified while it is occurring, schools should get students into buildings, close all doors and windows, and shut down HVAC systems.  Just as with chemical weapons, the goal is to prevent or reduce exposure to the substance.
    • Release students to their parents / other authorized persons in accordance with emergency release procedures.
    • Because many biological weapons are contagious, school will likely be closed after an attack, pending clearance by medical authorities.

    C–8: Nuclear Weapons

    Just as with conventional weapons, the goal is to place students and staff in a protected space and/or to increase the distance from the blast area.  Such weapons present a threat of not only blast effect but also exposure to radiation.  The goal for schools is to limit exposure to contaminated air. Some suggestions include:

    • Move to basement rooms, if possible.
    • Move to interior hallways, away from windows, closing doors to exterior rooms.
    • Students/staff assume “duck and cover” position.
    • Shut off gas utilities.
    • Release students to their parents / other authorized persons in accordance with emergency release procedures.

     C–9: Guidelines for Bio-Hazard Threats

    Follow procedures established by your local emergency responders (fire departments, police, SEMA, HAZMAT, etc.)  Implement the following procedures if any of your schools receive any kind of bio-hazard threat (including anthrax and chemical agents) or if your schools has a bio-hazard emergency.

    • Should you receive such a threat or have an actual bio-hazard emergency, immediately call 911 to report the threat; call the District Office emergency line, 942-1591.
    • The persons immediately exposed to the potential agent MUST remain where they are. They should try to avoid inhaling or touching the substance.
    • Try to contain the substance in the package in which it cam. Don’t attempt to clean any spilled contents.  Cover the spilled contents and the package or letter with anything handy—trash can, cardboard box, paper, etc.
    • Proceed with non-critical lock-down procedures.  Explain that information will be forthcoming.  Try to dispel alarm and panic by keeping information basic. All staff/students should remain in their respective areas until notified otherwise.
    • Do not evacuate students outside or send them home until the emergency responders have done their investigation.
    • If it is necessary to move or evacuate students and staff to a different location, the HAZMAT team or other emergency responder will provide instructions to administrators as to how it will be done.  If students and staff are moved/evacuated, remind staff to take their grade books, purses, and current class lists.
    • Administration must inform the custodial/maintenance staff to shut down the heating and air handling units in the affected area.
    • Keep the faculty, staff and students as informed as necessary.  Work with emergency personnel who will provide the necessary and accurate information.

    Debrief students and staff after the incident.