Terrorism
Plan & Prepare
New Jerseyans experienced the impact of terrorism firsthand on September 11, 2001. The tragic events of that day and the subsequent threats over the years have left many residents concerned about the possibility of future incidents and their potential consequences. Under the leadership of the Governor, the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management (NJOEM), in collaboration with the New Jersey State Police (NJSP), the Office of the Attorney General (NJOAG), the Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness (NJOHSP), the Department of Health (NJDOH), the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMAVA), and various federal, state, and local partners, remains committed to preparing for all hazards. This includes a wide range of terrorist threats that could potentially affect the state. The state continues to adapt its prevention and response strategies to address these evolving threats. Individuals and families can also take important steps to prepare for the unexpected. By planning ahead and assembling basic emergency supplies, you can reduce anxiety and ensure a greater sense of control should an incident occur. This preparedness can be particularly reassuring for children and other vulnerable family members during times of crisis. Many of the same steps used to prepare for natural disasters, such as hurricanes, winter storms, and power outages, also apply to terrorist incidents and other emergencies. By acting now, you not only enhance your own safety and well-being, but also contribute to a more resilient New Jersey.
What to do Before an Event of Terrorism
Basic Preparedness
- Prepare yourself and your family by creating an Emergency Supply Kit and a Family Disaster Plan. See our Basic Preparedness page for more details.
- Your Kit includes items that will help you stay self-sufficient for up to three days, if needed.
- Your Plan includes evacuation plans, a place to reunite with loved ones, and an out-of-state contact person.
Things to Expect
Health Risks: Terrorist events involving biological, radiological, chemical or other agents may create unique health risks.
- You should be prepared to listen for official instructions from Public Safety officials, about health risks and the possible availability of emergency treatment.
- Find fact sheets and other information on emergency health risks at the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services Emergency Preparedness Page.
Other Factors: As we learned from the events of September 11, 2001, the following things can happen after a terrorist attack:
- There may be significant numbers of casualties and / or damage to buildings and infrastructure.
- Your employer will need up-to-date information about any medical needs you may have, and on how to contact your designated beneficiaries.
- Heavy law enforcement involvement at local, state and federal levels follows a terrorist attack due to the event’s criminal nature.
- Health and mental health resources in the affected communities can be strained to their limits, perhaps even overwhelmed.
- Extensive media coverage, strong public fear and international implications and consequences can continue for a prolonged period.
- Workplaces and schools may be closed. There may be restrictions on domestic and international travel.
- You and your family may have to evacuate an area, avoiding roads blocked for your safety.
- Clean-up may take many months.
National Terrorism Advisory System
In 2011, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) replaced the color-coded alerts of the Homeland Security Advisory System (HSAS) with the National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS), designed to more effectively communicate information about terrorist threats by providing timely, detailed information to the American public.
It recognizes that Americans all share responsibility for the nation’s security, and should always be aware of the heightened risk of terrorist attack in the United States and what they should do.
For more information please visit http://www.dhs.gov/national-terrorism-advisory-system
What to do During an Event of Terrorism
- Remain calm and be patient.
- Follow the advice of local emergency officials.
- Listen to your radio or television for news and instructions.
- Be prepared to:
What to do After an Event of Terrorism
An act of terrorism may have wide-spread and devastating results. You should be prepared for the following things after an attack:
- There can be significant numbers of casualties and/or damage to buildings and the infrastructure. So employers need up-to-date information about any medical needs you may have and on how to contact your designated beneficiaries.
- Heavy law enforcement involvement at local, state and federal levels follows a terrorist attack due to the event’s criminal nature.
- Health and mental health resources in the affected communities can be strained to their limits, maybe even overwhelmed.
- Extensive media coverage, strong public fear and international implications and consequences can continue for a prolonged period.
- Workplaces and schools may be closed, and there may be restrictions on domestic and international travel.
- You and your family or household may have to evacuate an area, avoiding roads blocked for your safety.
Additional Positive Steps You can Take
Raw, unedited footage of terrorism events and people’s reaction to those events can be very upsetting, especially to children. Please keep this in mind when considering whether your children should watch television news reports, especially if the news reports show images over and over again about the same incident. Young children do not realize it is repeated footage, and may think the event is happening again and again. Adults may also need to give themselves a break from watching disturbing footage. However, listening to local radio and television reports will provide you with the most accurate information from responsible governmental authorities on what is happening and what actions you should take. A battery-powered radio is a vital part of your Emergency Kit. You may therefore want to make arrangements to take turns listening to the news with other adult members of your household.First Aid and CERT Training
Another very useful preparation comes fromlearning basic first aid, or from CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) or Citizen Corps training.
CERT training is directed by the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management, and includes 20 hours of instruction over an eight-week period. Training is available to everyone, regardless of their age or level of physical ability.
CERT members are ordinary New Jersey residents who provide critical support to first responders and to their fellow residents during emergencies. Undergoing CERT training is a great way to feel empowered in the event of virtually any emergency. The CERT course includes:
- Basic disaster preparedness
- Disaster fire suppression
- Disaster medical operations, including patient assessment, triage and treatment strategies for various conditions and injuries
- Light search and rescue operations
- Disaster psychology
- An overview of terrorism
- A disaster simulation exercise appropriate to your community.
To learn more about CERT or Citizen Corps follow or call (609) 538-6060.
Decontamination and Other Instructions:
People who may have come in contact with a biological or chemical agent may need to go through a decontamination procedure.
Listen to the advice of local officials on the radio or television to determine what steps you will need to take to protect yourself and your family.
As emergency services will likely be overwhelmed, only call 9-1-1 about life-saving emergencies.
Terrorism Events
Examples of Terrorist Hazards including what to do Before, During and After, can be found on the FEMA Ready.Gov web site: