A biological attack is the deliberate release of germs or other biological substances. Read more…
Be Aware of Suspicious Behavior
- Surveillance: Video recording or monitoring activities, taking notes, using cameras, maps or binoculars near key facilities or events.
- Suspicious Questioning: Attempting to gain information in person, by phone, mail, email, etc. regarding a key facility or people who work there.
- Tests of Security: Attempting to penetrate or test physical security at a key facility/event
- Acquiring Supplies: Attempting to improperly acquire explosives, weapons, ammunition, dangerous chemicals, uniforms, badges, flight manuals, access cards or identification for a key facility/event.
- Suspicious Persons: Anyone who doesn’t appear to belong in the workplace, neighborhood, business establishment or near a key facility or event.
- “Dry Runs”: Suspicious behavior in preparation for a terrorist act, such as mapping routes, running scenarios with accomplices, monitoring key facilities/events, timing traffic lights or traffic flow, or other suspicious activities.
- Deploying Assets: Abandoned vehicles, stockpiling of suspicious materials, or deploying people near a key facility/event.
- If You See Something, Say Something: Report suspicious behavior to local law enforcement by dialing 911. Report tips online using the GEMHSA website.
Learn more about specific types of terrorist threats:
A chemical attack is the deliberate release of a toxic gas, liquid or solid that can poison people and the environment. Read more…
A nuclear blast is an explosion with intense light and heat, a damaging pressure wave and widespread radioactive material that can contaminate the air, water and ground surfaces for miles around. During a nuclear incident, it is important to avoid radioactive material. Read more…
A radiation threat, commonly referred to as a “dirty bomb,” is the use of common explosives to spread radioactive materials over a targeted area. Read more…
Ricin is a by-product of the processing of Castor beans for oil. Castor beans grow wildly in arid parts of the United States. Naturally-occurring cases of ricin poisoning involve ingestion of castor beans and are marked by severe gastrointestinal symptoms, circulatory failure and death. Read more…