Bombs and Explosives

The number one way to protect yourself and others from an IED attack is to be aware of your surroundings and to report anything that is out of the ordinary.

Steps to Take if You See Something Suspicious

“If you see something, say something!” It can be difficult to determine when to report something suspicious. People most familiar with a given environment are in the best position to determine whether or not something seems suspicious.

Follow the guidelines below:

• Trust your instincts – if something feels wrong, don’t ignore it.
• Do not assume that someone else has already reported it.
• Call local authorities.
• Keep your distance from a suspicious package – do not approach or tamper with it.
• When you make a report, be ready to provide your name and location, a description of what you think is suspicious, and the time you saw it. The responding officer will assess the situation, ensure the area is evacuated and call for appropriate personnel and equipment. 

Make a Personal Plan for Response

Preparation is key.  Everyone can take the following steps to prepare for an IED attack:

• Learn the emergency procedures at your place of work, any other sites you visit regularly, and any public transportation systems you use. Communication systems may be inoperable in an emergency, so you should be familiar with what steps to take.
• Know how to get out of the area. If you work far from home, plan backups to get home if the usual modes of transit are not operating.
• Know the routes to hospitals in your community.
• Take a first aid course.
• Make a family emergency plan ─ remember that family members may be in separate locations at the time of an attack.
• Designate an “out-of-area” contact, and make sure that everyone in your family has that individual’s phone number.
• Have an emergency supply kit at work and at home that includes water and non-perishable food to last at least three days, battery-powered radio, first aid kit, flashlights, and batteries.