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CIVIL DISTURBANCE

Any incident that disrupts a community where intervention is required to maintain public safety constitutes a civil disturbance. Some examples are demonstrations, riots, strikes, public nuisances, and criminal activities.

Background Information:

Civil disturbance incidences may include resistance or rejection of all different types of control and authority. They tend to occur in areas of concentrated populations including sporting, concert, cultural and conference events. Some areas subject to civil disturbances may include college communities, areas with concentrations of disparate economic status populations and government offices. Some examples of criminal activities associated with civil disturbances may include looting, assault, property or environmental damage, illegal drug use or distribution, fire-setting, vandalism and violation of noise ordinances.

TERRORISM

Devastating acts such as the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon have left many concerned about the possibility of future incidents in the United States and their potential impact. These attacks have raised uncertainty about what might happen next. Terrorism may involve devastating acts using weapons of mass destruction ranging from chemical agents, biological hazards, a radiological or nuclear device, and other explosives. The primary objective of a terrorist is to create widespread fear. Nevertheless, there are things you can do to prepare for the unexpected and reduce the stress that you may feel now and later, should another emergency arise.

The Palm Beach County Terrorism Response Program coordinates with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Federal Department of Homeland Security to ensure that the county’s terrorism response plan meets all state and federal requirements.  Activities integrated in this coordination include planning, training, exercising, critical infrastructure enhancement, inter-agency cooperation, as well as grant identification and expenditure mechanisms to ensure that Palm Beach County has a viable anti-terrorism program that includes cross-agency training and development. 

The program provides local partner agencies with support and technical assistance in order to adequately address their homeland security needs. In addition to the local activities, the program also participates in State and Federal planning groups and task forces.

Before a Terrorist Attack Occurs:

• Have at least a 5 to 7 - Day Disaster Supplies Kit assembled.
• Create a shelter-in-place plan.
• Create an evacuation plan.

If you Receive a Bomb Threat:

• Ask the caller the following questions: When is the bomb going to explode? Where is the bomb right now? What kind of bomb is it? What does the bomb look like? Why did you place the bomb? Where are you calling from?
• Record the exact time and length of the call.
• Write down the exact words of the caller.
• Listen carefully to the caller's voice and background noise.
• After you hang up, call 9-1-1 immediately from a hard-wired telephone – do not use cell phones to report a bomb threat.

If a Terrorism-Related Event Happens:

• Stay calm and be patient.
• Listen to your local radio or television for news and follow the instructions of emergency service personnel.
• Be vigilant. If the incident occurs near you, look out for secondary hazards such as falling debris or additional attacks.
• Check for injuries and summon help for seriously injured people.
• If the incident occurs near your home while you are there, check for damage using a flashlight - do not use matches or turn on electrical switches.
• Check for fires, fire hazards and other household hazards.
• If you smell gas or suspect a leak, turn off the main gas valve, open windows, and get everyone outside.
• Check on your neighbors, especially those who are elderly, disabled, or who live alone.
• Only call 9-1-1 about life-threatening emergencies.

Homeland Security Advisory System

The Homeland Security Advisory System was developed to provide a comprehensive and effective means to disseminate information regarding the risk of terrorist acts to federal, state, and local authorities and the American people. This system provides warnings based on a set of graduated threat conditions that increase as the risk of the threat increases. At each threat level Federal departments and agencies implement a corresponding set of protective measures to further reduce vulnerability or increase response capability during a period of heightened alert. There are five threat conditions, each identified by a description and corresponding color.

From highest to lowest, the levels and colors are:

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