Bruce Mandelblit
Saturday, July 9, 2005

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  The booklet "Preparing Makes Sense. Get Ready Now," compiled by the Department of Homeland Security, offers some sound basic suggestions that provide a solid foundation that virtually all citizens should consider implementing.

This blunt guide states that terrorists are working to obtain biological, chemical, nuclear and radiological weapons, and that the possibility of an attack on the United States is very real. It also says that with a little planning and common sense, you can be better prepared for the unexpected. Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff has just raised our country's transit system (i.e., regional and intercity passenger rail, subways and metropolitan buses) security threat level to "High Risk" (Orange), so now may be a good time to review some of the ideas expressed in this 12-page booklet.

EMERGENCY SUPPLIES: Just like having a working smoke detector in your home, having emergency supply kits will put the tools you may need at your fingertips. Be prepared to improvise and use what you have on hand to make it on your own for at least three days, maybe longer.

While there are many things that might make you comfortable, think first about fresh water, food and clean air. Remember to include, and periodically rotate, medications you take every day such as insulin and heart medicine. Plan to store items in an easy-to-carry bag such as a shopping bag, backpack or duffle bag.

A Quick Security Tip: Don't forget to include emergency lighting items such as quality flashlights (along with an ample supply of spare batteries).

Consider two kits. In one, put everything you will need to stay where you are and make it on your own. The other should be a lightweight, smaller version you can take with you if you have to get away.

EMERGENCY PLANNING: You should plan in advance what you will do in an emergency. Be prepared to access the situation and use common sense and whatever you have on hand to take care of yourself and your loved ones.

Think about the places where your family spends time: school, work and other places that you frequent. Ask about their emergency plans. If they do not have an emergency plan, consider helping develop one. Find out how they will communicate with families during an emergency.

SPECIFIC TERRORIST THREATS: It is important to remember that there are significant differences among potential terrorist threats (such as a biological threat, a chemical threat, a nuclear blast, or a so-called "dirty bomb") that will influence the decisions you make and the actions you take. By beginning a process of learning about these specific threats, you are preparing yourself to react in an emergency.

IN ALL CASES, REMAIN CALM: Be prepared to adapt this information to your personal circumstances and make every effort to follow instructions received from authorities on the scene.

Above all, stay composed, be patient and think before you act. With these simple preparations, you can be ready for the unexpected. If you have a working smoke detector in your home, you understand that preparing makes sense.

This is, of course, a very brief review of some of the very basic ideas suggested in the booklet "Preparing Makes Sense. Get Ready Now."

For more information and details on preparing for terrorism, and to get a free copy of this booklet, go to www.ready.gov or call 1-800-BE-READY.

My Final Thoughts: Sadly, the terrorist threat against the United States is real. Just like a family's likelihood of surviving a house fire partially depends on having a working smoke detector and a proper escape plan, the same is true of surviving a possible terrorist attack.

No matter how good our government agencies are in attempting to prevent any terrorist threats before they occur, we must take personal responsibility and do our part in at least pondering the simple steps, as suggested by the Department of Homeland Security, in preparing for the expected.

The first step in strengthening our national security starts with you and me.

(Note: If you manufacture or distribute any Security, Safety, Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Defense or Crime Prevention related products, please send information on your product line for possible future reference in this column to: CrimePrevention123@yahoo.com.)

Copyright 2005 by Bruce Mandelblit

"Staying Safe" with Bruce Mandelblit is a regular column for the readers of NewsMax.com and NewsMax.com Magazine.

Bruce welcomes your thoughts. His e-mail address is: CrimePrevention123@yahoo.com.

Bruce is a nationally known security journalist, as well as a recently retired, highly decorated reserve Law Enforcement Officer.

Bruce writes Staying Safe, a weekly syndicated column covering the topics of security, safety and crime prevention.

Bruce was commissioned as a Kentucky Colonel â€" the state's highest honor â€" for his public service.

This column is provided for general information purposes only. Please check with your local law enforcement agency and legal professional for information specific to you and your jurisdiction.

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