Nt1310 Unit 1

There are several possible types of terrorist attacks using Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD), using conventional firearms and explosives, or ”other means of attack (including low-tech devices and delivery, attacks on infrastructure, and cyber terrorism)”, (FEMA, 2002, P. 9). Each type of attack or a combination of several will need its own action plan by emergency managers and emergency responders, making the identification of the type of attack and weapon used critical. If an attack occurs, one tool available to a jurisdiction is the Threat and Hazard Identification Risk Assessment (THIRA), which summarizes the “threats and hazards of concern showing how they may affect the community” (DHS, 2013, P.1). The THIRA will outline the possible risks that would be facing emergency responders after a specific disaster and what they might face (FEMA, 2002). For example, the guide describes the threat of radiation after a nuclear/radiological attack, or the threat of contamination after a chemical or biological attack. Additionally, there is the threat of …show more content…
The system will “help first responders to deal with the hazardous materials present quickly and safely.”, (FEMA, 2013, Unit 2, P.2-1). For example, the Materials Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) provides “recommended extinguishing media (water, foam, dry chemical, carbon dioxide, graphite, etc.) for fire.” (FEMA, 2013, unit 3, P. 4), in case of a chemical attack so that responders can determine quickly how to deal with identified active agent. Similarly in the case of an attack where unknown agents might be released, such as an attack on a factory, transportation tankers, or storage facility, the systems provide responders with a quick way to identify the material they are potentially facing. This identification will allow responders to determine if evacuation, specialized equipment, medical antidotes and what other instruments and steps to