It is apparent to most Americans that their Emergency Services Sector (ESS) departments and agencies are the first line of defense within the United States. While America’s military combats terrorism on foreign soils, local first responders are actively preventing and protecting against a terrorist event, and also preparing to respond effectively to any occurrence. This being the case, the Emergency Management and Response - Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC) acknowledges the many challenges and personal risks that confront emergency services personnel before, during, and after a terrorist attack.

Regarding the terrorism challenges and risks, the EMR-ISAC understands that ESS personnel must first recognize indicators of a possible terrorist event. Once they suspect that an attack has occurred, responders must immediately assess their security situation and take additional precautions. Obviously, emergency personnel must remain safe to ensure survivability, continuity, and response-ability on behalf of the citizens they serve.

The following are some safety precautions for the consideration of incident commanders and safety officers to protect the personnel infrastructure of responding organizations. These recommendations were abridged from the Emergency Response to Terrorism Job Aid, Edition 2.0, 2003, published jointly by the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency, U.S. Fire Administration, and Department of Justice:

• Initiate on-scene hazard/risk assessment.
• Designate safe staging areas for incoming units.
• Assess emergency ingress and egress routes.
• Designate rally points for reassembly purposes.
• Ensure personnel accountability.
• Consider any decontamination requirements.
• Examine need for additional specialized resources.
• Prepare for the possibility for a secondary attack.
• Coordinate with law enforcement for perimeter security.
• Commit only essential personnel to minimize exposure.

If interested in downloading or acquiring a copy of the Job Aid referenced above, please visit the USFA Web site.