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By
Terry Orr
Think back to September 11th, the Tsunami, and Hurricane
Katrina; you can never predict when a disaster will hit.
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That is why July marks the recognition of Bio-terrorism/Disaster Education and Awareness Month.
The purpose of this month is clear: to raise awareness
for emergency preparedness in case a disaster were to hit. There are many
different types of disasters, from natural disasters to bioterrorism, but
whatever the emergency, it's important to educate yourself to be prepared. The
American Red Cross has compiled a guide to educate people on the different
types of disasters and how to prepare for them. Utilize resources both online
and off in order to educate and protect yourself and those you love in case of
an emergency.
Bioterrorism and Disaster
Education and Awareness: Are You Prepared?
What is Bioterrorism?
A bioterrorism attack is the deliberate release of
viruses, bacteria, or other germs (agents) used to cause illness or death in
people, animals, or plants. These agents are typically found in nature, but it
is possible that they could be changed to increase their ability to cause
disease, make them resistant to current medicines, or to increase their ability
to be spread into the environment. Biological agents can be spread through the
air, through water, or in food. Terrorists may use biological agents because
they can be extremely difficult to detect and do not cause illness for several
hours to several days. (Source CDC).
Bioterrorism is the unlawful or threatened use of
microorganisms or toxins derived from living organisms to produce death or
disease in humans, animals, or plants. The act is intended to create fear,
inflict injury and/or death, and to intimidate governments or societies in the
pursuit of political, religious or ideological goals. (Source: Garrett
County Health Department).
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Preparedness refers to the state of being prepared for specific or
unpredictable events or situations. Preparedness is an important quality in
achieving goals and in avoiding and mitigating negative outcomes. It is a major
phase of emergency management, and is particularly valued in areas of
competition such as sport and military science.
Methods of preparation include research, estimation,
planning, resourcing, and education, practicing and rehearsing.
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Remember from the Boy and Girl
Scouts – “Be Prepared”.
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Links:
The following web sites can assist you to being prepared
before disaster strikes:
Create your family
disaster plan: www.redcross.org/services/disaster/beprepared/familyplan.html
Assembling a disaster
supply kit: www.redcross.org/services/disaster/beprepared/supplies.html
Assembling a
workplace disaster supply kit: www.redcross.org/services/disaster/beprepared/workkit.html
Children and disaster: www.redcross.org/services/disaster/beprepared/forchildren.html
Disaster preparedness
for people with disabilities: www.redcross.org/services/disaster/beprepared/disability.html
Pets and disaster: www.redcross.org/services/disaster/beprepared/animalsafety.html
Other preparedness
materials are available on the following web sites:
FEMA www.fema.gov
Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention www.bt.cdc.gov
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