What You Can Do

Preparation for a WMD Attack

In the wake of the 2001 anthrax scare, citizens in the US rushed to supermarkets, cleaning out duct tape to seal windows and nonperishable foods in preparation for an attack. The US Department of Homeland Security put forth the following "Three Key Steps that Individuals and Families Should Take to be Properly Prepared for Unexpected Emergencies":

Assemble an Emergency Kit

You should be able to survive comfortable on your own for three days, which is the amount of time you may need to remain in your home until the danger from a biological, chemical, or radiological attack has passed.

The necessities:

• A change of clothes
• Sleeping bags
• Food and water. A gallon a person should be sufficient. Canned and dried foods are best.

DHS recommends that you gather the following minimum basic emergency supplies to be kept in a public location at home as well as in your car:

• Flashlight
• Battery-powered radio
• Extra batteries
• First-aid kit
• Prescription medicines
• Toilet articles
• Duct tape and heavy-duty plastic garbage bags to seal windos and doors

Make a Family Communication Plan

In the event your family is not together when an attack occurs, make sure everyone knows how to contact everyone else. DHS recommends that everyone in your family call an out-of-state friend or relative. Keep a list of emergency numbers near your phone. Pick a "safe-room" where everyone can gather. The best choice is an interior room above ground with few doors and windows.

Learn More About Readiness

Planning helps. If your family knows what to expect and is prepared, you will be calmer in the aftermath of a terrorist attack. Find out where to turn for instructions (local broadcasting networks). Local authorities will broadcast information concerning the nature of the emergency and what you should do next as soon as possible. Be sure to keep listening for updates.

Take a first aid or CPR class so that you can provide emergency medical help to others. Review your insurance policies to reduce the financial impact of an attack. Don't forget to make accomodations for elderly family members or people with special needs. If you have a pet, make arrangements for him/her if pets are not permitted in public shelters.

Consult your local law enforcement agency or firefighter department for specific details on your local preparation plan.

Lobbying & Advocacy

According to Reverend Bob Moore, nuclear arms control has reached a "holding pattern." With your help, we can jumpstart the arms control effort and get us out of this holding pattern!

You'd be surprised at the difference you can make. According to US Congressional aides, only 5 phone calls are required for an issue to be called to the attention of a Senator or Representative.

Get informed. Research the issues some more to educate yourself. Find out what your leaders are doing to prevent a nuclear war. Is your country a party to the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty? Does your country have nuclear weapons? If you don't know the answers, look them up.

Get involved. Even if you can't vote, advise your parents on which of your representatives has done the most to further arms control. Start an awareness club. Plan rallies. The possibilities are endless!