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Terrorism


elevated risk
National Security Threat Level
U.S. Department of Homeland Security


elevated risk image
Virginia Security Threat Level
Office of Commonwealth Preparedness

Fairfax County Threat Level:
Elevated

Some of the things you can do to prepare for the unexpected, such as assembling a supply kit and developing a family communications plan, are the same for both a natural or manmade emergency. However there are important differences among potential terrorist threats, such as biological, chemical, explosive, nuclear and radiological, that will impact the decisions you make and the actions you take:

  • Be aware of your surroundings.

  • Move or leave if you feel uncomfortable or if something does not seem right.

  • Take precautions when traveling. Be aware of conspicuous or unusual behavior.

  • Do not accept packages from strangers and do no not leave luggage unattended.

  • Learn where emergency exits are located in buildings you frequent. Plan how to get out in the event of an emergency.

  • Be prepared to do without services you normally depend on – electricity, telephone, natural gas, gasoline pumps, cash registers, ATMs, and Internet transactions.

  • Above all, stay calm, be patient and think before you act. With these simple preparations, you can be ready for the unexpected.

  • Terrorism Publications, Links and Resources