OEM Tells How To Prepare For Emergencies
BY LIZ GOFF

Queens Borough President Helen Marshall joined Joseph Bruno, Commissioner of the city Office of Emergency Management (OEM), on Thursday, September 7 at Jamaica Center to hand out booklets telling what to do in emergencies, including hurricanes. The effort was part of National Preparedness Month. More information is available at the OEM Web site at nyc.gov.

Officials at the Mayor's Office of Emergency Management (OEM) hit the streets recently, distributing information on how to prepare for a terrorist attack and other related emergencies.

Officials said the main objective of terrorists is to create fear and havoc among victims. But with accurate information and some basic emergency preparedness, you can fight back.

It is best, in case of a terrorist attack, to react with full knowledge of the facts, officials said. Know the facts, listen and take a few moments to think before you react. Remember, in this new millennium age of terrorism, accidents can often resemble an attack. So it is best to check with reliable sources before you grab your "Go-Bag" and head for the hills.

Terrorists can attack through a number of methods, including a chemical attack, a radiological attack, a biological attack, release of a Radiological Dispersion Device (RDD), designed to scatter set amounts of radioactive material over a wide area (usually lethal), or a "Dirty Bomb", which incorporates radioactive material with conventional explosives to cause impact damage along with instant exposure to lethal material, officials said.

Terrorists might also attack by dropping a "chemically infected" or explosive device on street corners, in building lobbies or at other public places, officials said. Authorities offer the following tips on how to identify a suspicious package or letter:

+ Look for letters and packages with a handwritten or poorly typed address, incorrect titles or titles with no name, or misspellings of common words,

+ Check to see if the package is addressed to someone no longer with your organization, or for packages not addressed to a specific person; check for letters or packages with an odd return address or no return address; check to determine if the parcel or letter is marked with restrictions, such as "Personal", "Confidential" or "Do Not X-Ray"; check to determine if the parcel or letter weighs too much or too little for its size, or if it is lopsided, or oddly shaped, officials said.

+ Check to determine if there is a powdery substance on the outside of the package or if a letter carries excessive postage, if there is an unusual amount of tape securing the parcel or letter, and if it has discolorations, unusual odors or oily stains, the officials said.

OEM officials offer the following suggestions for handling a suspicious package or letter: put it down, preferably on a stable surface, cover it with an airtight container, such as s trash can or plastic bag, call 911 to alert your building's security unit, alert people around you, and wash your hands with soap and water. If you have handled the package, compile a list of people who were with you, or who were in the same area where the suspicious package was spotted and give the list to police, fire officials and/or building security, OEM officials said.

If you receive a bomb threat, take your time asking the caller when the bomb is going to explode and where the bomb is located, officials said. Ask for a description of the device, get details on what it is made from, ask where the bomb is located, where the caller is calling from-and why the caller left the bomb.

Call 911 as soon as you hang up the phone. Then call building security and evacuate your immediate area, officials said.

OEM officials said each household should prepare a "Go-Bag" containing items that might be needed if they are evacuated in the event of a terrorist attack.

There should be one "Go-Bag" for each family member, packed in a sturdy, easy to carry container, backpack, or suitcase on wheels, officials said. "GoBags" should be kept in an easily accessible location, and should include items needed for seasonal changes, officials said.

Each "Go-Bag" should contain:

+ Copies of important documents in a waterproof and portable container (insurance records, birth certificates, Social Security and tax information, deeds, photo ID, passports, bankbooks, proof of address, etc.),

+ An extra set of car and house keys, credit cards, ATM cards and cash (at least $150 in small bills),

+ A flashlight, battery-operated radio (AM/FM), extra batteries, bottled water and non-perishable food, such as energy or granola bars, officials said.

The bags should also contain at least one first aid kit, medication for at least one week and other essential personal and toiletry items, officials said. Be sure to check stored bags and change medications before they expire. Also, include a list of medications each member of your family needs and their dosages, along with copies of your prescription slips, your doctor's name and phone number, officials said.

Pack comfortable, sturdy shoes, lightweight raingear and a Mylar blanket, child-care supplies and special need items, and include a list of contact information for your family members, officials said.

If you have any information on possible terrorist attacks, call 1-888-NYCSAFE. For additional information on how to be prepared, call the Mayor's Office of Emergency Management at 311.