Potential Terrorist Attacks
The 9/11 terrorist attacks in the U.S. caused a paradigm shift in security procedures and surveillance techniques (Boer, 2015). The Department of Homeland Security works with other agencies to anticipate and mitigate potential terrorist attacks. Aggressors use a variety of weapons and devices designed to inflict maximum damage. Car bombs can cause unprecedented destruction since they have a large quantity of explosives (Phillips, 2018). Both moving and stationary vehicle bombs can be deployed by aggressors. In this paper, I will discuss two of the most important factors to minimize the damage caused to buildings by vehicle bombs.
Anti-ram car barriers can be installed to prevent vehicle access to sensitive buildings. Passive barriers are stationary and include berms, planters, concrete walls, and fixed bollards (FEMA, 2003). On the other hand, active barriers refer to obstacles that can be moved to allow passage. Some of these obstacles include rotating plates, crash beams, and retractable bollards (FEMA, 2003). Passive barriers can protect buildings from the impact of car bombs by creating edge or perimeter protection. Active barriers can be placed along entry control points, driveways, and roadways. It is important to maintain significant stand-off distance between buildings and potential vehicle bombs (FEMA, 2003). Traffic obstacles can slow down the flow of vehicles. Besides, car barriers should be placed at the entrances of buildings. …show more content…
Such tactics force incoming vehicles to slow down for inspection. Perimeter boundary fences and gates should be positioned outside the area of blast vulnerability (FEMA, 2003). This will protect the building from the initial impact of a car bomb. Physical separations such as shrubs, trees, shallow
The 9/11 terrorist attacks in the U.S. caused a paradigm shift in security procedures and surveillance techniques (Boer, 2015). The Department of Homeland Security works with other agencies to anticipate and mitigate potential terrorist attacks. Aggressors use a variety of weapons and devices designed to inflict maximum damage. Car bombs can cause unprecedented destruction since they have a large quantity of explosives (Phillips, 2018). Both moving and stationary vehicle bombs can be deployed by aggressors. In this paper, I will discuss two of the most important factors to minimize the damage caused to buildings by vehicle bombs.
Anti-ram car barriers can be installed to prevent vehicle access to sensitive buildings. Passive barriers are stationary and include berms, planters, concrete walls, and fixed bollards (FEMA, 2003). On the other hand, active barriers refer to obstacles that can be moved to allow passage. Some of these obstacles include rotating plates, crash beams, and retractable bollards (FEMA, 2003). Passive barriers can protect buildings from the impact of car bombs by creating edge or perimeter protection. Active barriers can be placed along entry control points, driveways, and roadways. It is important to maintain significant stand-off distance between buildings and potential vehicle bombs (FEMA, 2003). Traffic obstacles can slow down the flow of vehicles. Besides, car barriers should be placed at the entrances of buildings. …show more content…
Such tactics force incoming vehicles to slow down for inspection. Perimeter boundary fences and gates should be positioned outside the area of blast vulnerability (FEMA, 2003). This will protect the building from the initial impact of a car bomb. Physical separations such as shrubs, trees, shallow