Mini Project # 6

A biological terrorism attack is the release of viruses, bacteria, or any other type of germs that are used to cause death or illness in animals, people, or plants. These items are mostly found in places such as nature. There are also some biological agents that can be spread through the air, food or water. A biological terrorism attack occurs when terrorists use biological agents that are extremely difficult to detect. Often what happens is the illness does not spread for several hours or even up to days after they are released. The Smallpox Virus can be spread from person to person and thsi is a perfect example of a bioterrorism agent.

The local officials in my city are taking safety precautions to protect us from any type of biological terrorism attack. There has been an Exercise Design Workshop that has designed certain exercises for practicing coordinated responses to acts of terrorism. The city has presented a WMD Law Enforcement Awareness Training Course to many of the local law enforcement officers, an Emergency Response to Terrorism Operations Training Course to multiple-agency emergency responders, an Emergency Response to Terrorism Train the Trainer Course to instructors of first responder agencies in Broward County, and an Emergency Response to Domestic Biological Incidents Training Course to a countywide audience.

In addition, the city has also increased the permanent staffing of the city’s Fire-Rescue Hazardous Materials Response Team. The city has also completed a Terrorism Annex, which offers shared common protocols for countywide first responder use in WMD events, and procured additional equipment in the area of detection, personal protection and decontamination for the city’s first responders. City employees and regional participants have participated in residential training in Incident Response to Terrorist Bombings Training. They also have secured grant funding to provide personal protective equipment to Fort Lauderdale Police Department personnel and enhanced equipment for the department’s bomb squad.

The thought of a biological terrorism attack is very scary. I get so nervous to even think about it but I really do believe that city officials are doing their absolute best to protect us from any type of harm! =)

(http://www.emergency.com/cbwlesn1.htm)