Terrorism-Related
Incidents
Types
of Terrorist Incidents
Incidents of
terrorism occurring world-wide take many forms. While it may seem
remote that our campus may be targeted, federal officials continuously
monitor terrorist group activities to determine where a threat may
occur. If a threat specific targets the geographic location in which
the campus is located, or campuses specifically, the College will
evaluate such information and coordinate response.
Terrorist incidents
may include, but may not be limited to:
- biological
or chemical devices or attacks
- radiological
devices or attacks
The Department
of Homeland Security defines a terrorism as "A violent act
or an act dangerous to human life, in violation of the criminal
laws of the United States or any segment to intimidate or coerce
a government, the civilian population, or any segment thereof, in
furtherance of political or social objectives."
What
to do
If you see something
suspicious, or if you receive information that may indicate that
the campus may be targeted for terrorist activity, notify Public
Safety immediately. Dial 1-911 from a campus phone,
or 413-538-2304 from a cellular phone. Provide
the dispatcher with the specifics of the suspicious activity or
threat, and meet with an officer at a safe location.
Stay
Alert
- Watch for
strangers or anyone who seems to be acting suspiciously.
- If you see
anything raising your concern - including unattended bags, backpacks,
packages, cars or vehicles - call Public Safety by dialing 1-911
or 413-538-2304.
- Secure your
laboratories, studios, darkrooms, and other areas which unattended
visitors should not enter.
- Be sure
to keep building doors and windows locked when the building is
closed and not open for business.
- If you see
something that should be secured but is not, let Public Safetyknow
by dialing 1-911 or 413-538-2304.
Inform
Yourself
http://www.ready.gov/america/index.html
Campus
Terrorism Response Plan
As soon as information
becomes available that a terrorist incident may occur or has occurred
on campus, the College's Emergency Response Team (ERT) will be activated
and will coordinate campus response. Depending on the type of incident,
its affected area the ERT will coordinate possible evacuations,
cancellations, communications and emergency response.
Campus officials,
including Public Safety officers, will, if conditions allow, travel
through the campus along with distributing community notices about
what steps are necessary to protect our community members from the
incident at hand. This may involve, for example, seeking and remaining
in shelter to prevent exposure to hazardous chemicals, evacuating
a building where a detonation device may be located, etc. Each situation
will be assessed carefully to determine the best response and that
response will be implemented under the guidance of the ERT as well
as other local, state and federal emergency agencies.
It is important
to note that while the College constantly monitors available information,
there is no way to determine with precision what areas, groups,
or institutions may be an actual target of terrorist activity. It
is up to each member of the community to pay attention to governmental
alerts such as those through the Department of Homeland Security
(www.ready.gov), and to contact the Department of Public Safety
if they see anything suspicious, or receive information that the
campus community may be at risk to be a target of terrorist activity.
DIAL 1-911 for emergency contact with the Department
of Public Safety, or dial 413-538-2304 from a cellular
phone.
Terrorism
Preparation and Planning
The College
ERT has been conducting training exercises and exchanging information
with local and state agencies to prepare for and prevent against
terrorist activities, and this interchange is ongoing.
Additional
Information Sources:
Information
from Homeland Security
Preparing Makes Sense. Get the latest information on being ready
and prepared from this site http://www.ready.gov/
More Information
is available at the Homeland Security home page
http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/
Citizen Readiness
Information from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
You can access FEMA's useful guide to citizen preparedness at this
site http://www.fema.gov/areyouready/
U.S. Fire Administration
Critical Infrastructure Protection Center - Counter-Terrorism
http://www.usfa.fema.gov/dhtml/fire-service/cipc.cfm
Public Health
Emergency Preparedness and Response (CDC)
http://www.bt.cdc.gov/
Infectious
Diseases Information
http://www.idsociety.org/bt/ToC.htm
American Red
Cross
http://www.redcross.org/
International
Travel Advisories
http://www.travel.state.gov/
CDC's Traveler's
Health Information
http://www.cdc.gov/travel/
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