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Pakistan is currently under a deadly wave of suicide bombings. The nightly-news is replete with stories of terrorists placing explosives on their bodies, in bags, or into vehicles and detonating the bombs and themselves among crowds of innocent civilians. With bombing incidents happening increasingly in our country, we can no longer take safety for granted and must take measures to protect & defend ourselves. For this purpose I have developed a guide from various reliable internet sources that is a must-read for everyone. But first, a little background.

 

Suicide Bombings – The ideology behind them & the terror they create

 

Suicide bombing is the concept of killing oneself while killing others. The target of a suicide bomber is usually a highly populated space which is likely to be a well-known, public area, usually at peak times. Currently in Pakistan, suicide bombing is the most frequently used tactic in terrorist attacks. This is the most damaging method in terms of destruction of life, property and evidence. A suicide bomber will typically place himself and his deadly payload wherever he thinks he will kill the most people. A single suicide bomber can carry enough explosive on his body to kill or gravely wound everyone within a 50-foot radius in an open area. A bomber driving a truck or car laden with explosives could destroy an entire building. The destruction can vary depending on the power of the explosives and the concentration of people in the immediate area. The idea is to not only to kill a large number of people, but also to foster deep fear among the public, therefore suicide bombings not only have high physical destructive value, but are psychologically traumatizing,  bringing the specter of terror nearly anywhere. The terrorists are not planning on living after the attack, so standard security deterrence is not effective on them. Most suicide bomb attacks are carried out in broad daylight and in front of numerous CCTV cameras. Suicide bombings are designed to (1) cause death; (2) inflict pain; (3) demonstrate that the authority is powerless to prevent the attacks; and (4) generate support and finances for the terrorist group’s cause. Terrorist groups have said they use suicide bombing for three reasons: (1) This method does not require an army be outfitted with advance weapons and smart bombs; (2) it is a final method for them to get their views heard; and (3) according to al-Qaida leader Ayman al-Zawahiri, “is the most successful way of inflicting damage against the opponent and the least costly to the mujahidin in terms of casualties.” 

 

Current Potential Targets of Suicide Bombers include:

· Military areas

· Police posts

· Congested bazaars

· Schools & universities

· Train, bus stations and airports

· Restaurants and parks

· Movie theaters

· Mosques

Though suicide bombers can be deadly, realistically speaking we cannot stay away from the afore-mentioned places in the long run. However, knowing how to prepare and react can make the difference between death and survival. Extreme vigilance and adherence to procedures for the dealing with such situations can help reduce loss of human lives and damage to assets and infrastructure.

How to PREPARE for a terrorist attack

 

With bombs going off in every direction, life has become very risky and uncertain for every Pakistani. Stress levels and anxiety are at a constant high. Nevertheless, there are preparatory measures you can take that can give you and your family a better chance of survival in the event of a terrorist attack:

1. Create an emergency communications plan

Choose two contacts (preferably one a close relative and the other out-of-family) who you will call in the event of a disaster. These people should know that they are your chosen contacts for a crisis situation. Every member of the family (including the children) should have these contacts’ work and cell numbers, as well as each others. Leave these contact numbers at your children’s schools as well.

2. Establish a meeting place

Decide on a meeting place (other than home) where your family members will meet when scattered after an attack near your home or area. This will minimize confusion and panic. You may want to make arrangements to stay with a family member or friend in case of an emergency.

3. Pre-prepare an emergency kit

In case, you are required to evacuate your home in an emergency, you will need some essential supplies. For this purpose you should pre-prepare a disaster supplies kit using a large duffel bag. Include essential items such as infant formula, diapers etc for babies, first aid supplies, extra clothing, bottled water, some food, cash, copies of important family documents (birth certificates, marriage certificates, passports, licenses, insurance policies etc)

4. Check on the school emergency plan of any school-age children you may have.

Find out from your kids’ school authorities about the security arrangements they have made in case of an emergency. Will they keep children at school until a parent or designated adult can pick them up or send them home on their own. Make sure that the school has your latest contact information. And, ask what type of authorization the school may require to release a child to someone you designate, if you are not able to pick up your child.

5. Learn some basic first aid.

Remember that in an emergency situation, you need to tend to your own well-being first and then consider first aid for others immediately around you, including possibly assisting injured people to evacuate a building if necessary.

How to PREVENT A Terrorist Attack

 

What to do if you receive a telephone bomb threat

• Remain calm, be courteous, listen to and do not interrupt the caller
• Do not antagonize or taunt the caller in any way
• If your phone has caller ID display, record number of incoming call
• Write down the exact words of the caller and threat
• Don’t hang up the phone. Keep the caller on the line and record everything that is said
• Take note of the caller’s vocal characteristics and background sounds
• Get as much information from the caller as possible. Try to ask the following questions: When is the bomb going to explode? Where is it right now? What does it look like? What kind of bomb is it? What will cause it to explode? Did you place the bomb? Why? What is your address? What is your name?
• Notify management and police immediately

Beware of Suspicious Parcels & Letters

Be wary of suspicious packages and letters. They can contain explosives, chemical or biological agents. Parcels that should be treated with suspicion are those that:

• Are unexpected or from someone unfamiliar to you
• Have no return address, or have one that can’t be verified as legitimate
• Have protruding wires or aluminum foil, strange odors, or stains
• Show a city or state in the postmark that doesn’t match the return address
• Are of unusual weight given their size, or are lopsided or oddly shaped
• Are marked with threatening language
• Have inappropriate or unusual labeling
• Have excessive postage or packaging material, such as masking tape and string
• Have incorrect titles or titles without a name
• Are not addressed to a specific person
• Have hand-written or poorly typed addresses

What to do if you see a Suspicious Object or an Unexploded Bomb

• Keep away and do not touch or move the suspicious object or unexploded bomb
• Isolate it immediately
• Move away and warn others of object / bomb
• Notify authorities, Security officials and the Police immediately
• Evacuate building calmly and in an orderly manner

What to do in case of an emergency evacuation (from home)

• Stay calm; do not run around in panic
• Wear protective clothing
• Call your emergency contacts to tell them where you are going and when you expect to arrive
• Take your disaster supplies kit
• Shut off water, electricity and gas before leaving
• Lock your home
• Evacuate calmly and quickly
• Do not use the lifts as you could get trapped in them
• Use travel routes specified by local authorities
• Stay tuned to local radio and television for accurate information specific to the event in your area
• Listen to announcements for instructions
• Closely follow the instructions and directions given by security personnel and emergency responders.

How to identify a suicide bomber

There are certain identifying traits of a suicide bomber:

• Will most probably be a young male (between 18 and 35)
• May appear agitated, apprehensive & nervous (sweating profusely and looking around furtively)
• May be carrying a rucksack or bag
• May be wearing bulky clothing
• May be wearing clothing inappropriate for the weather
• If he is carrying a bag, he may be checking it frequently 
• He may also wear headwear that would obscure his face from closed circuit television
• Wires or electric switches may be hanging from his clothes or packages
• Many suicide bombers work in teams of two. On final approach to the target site, the bomber will be accompanied by another terrorist to give the bomber mental support and help him or her pick the actual target spot. The partner will leave before the detonation.

 

If you see someone who fits the above profile and you strongly suspect him be a potential suicide bomber, don’t panic. Do not scream or approach the bomber yourself as this will panic him into setting the bomb off prematurely. Move away from the bomber as calmly as you can, do not run. Call Rescue 15 or 1122. Inform police nearby officials. Identify the bomber to them. If you happen to guess the building or target of suicide bomber from his direction and luckily you also know the number of that building, do inform them and ask them to take precautionary measures. You must also inform that to the 15 and any other security forces number you know.

 

How to SURVIVE a Terrorist Attack

 

If you are trapped in a confined space with a powerful bomb, there is obviously little chance that you can completely avoid serious harm or death. However, depending on the situation and the available time, there are several steps that you can take which can help you to minimize your injuries and possibly save your life.

If detonation is imminent i.e. if a grenade has been thrown or a suicide bomber is about to detonate his or her package, drop to the ground and do your best to protect your head and vital organs. If there is time before detonation i.e. if a bomb has been planted and wired to go off within a specific time frame, take advantage of every moment you have. Take the following steps:

· Distance yourself from the bomb

If you know where the bomb is, put as much distance as you can between you and the impending explosion. If you know how much time is left before detonation, run as far and as fast as you can and do your best to reach cover before the explosion.

· Take cover

Get under or behind anything you can-a table, a door-or move around a corner from the explosion. Anything you can use to shield yourself from the blast can help. If there is nothing sturdy to hide behind or under, place a blanket or coat over your head to protect your eyes from flying debris.

· Protect yourself

Whether or not you are able to take cover, do your best to protect your head and your vital organs. If you are in the open and within close proximity to the explosion, drop to the ground and position yourself so that your head is away from the origin of the blast. Lie flat on your stomach with your elbows held in tight at your sides in order to protect your organs. Shield your eyes and ears. Damage to hearing can be serious and permanent and debris in your eyes can blind you. Do your best to cover your ears and head with your hands.

If a bomb explodes, immediately expect another

Where are you at the time of bombing?

To survive a suicide bomber and the disruptions that will follow, you must adapt your strategy to your location.

At Home or in the Office: If you are at home or in the office and learn of a suicide bombing in your city do not leave your home for a few hours. There may be follow-on bombings, and the roads should be kept clear for emergency personnel. Listen to reliable media sources for the latest accurate information. If there is an explosion in your office or home, you should:

• Get under a sturdy table or desk if things are falling around you. When they stop falling, leave quickly, watching for obviously weakened floors and stairways. As you exit from the building, be especially watchful of falling debris
• Leave the building as quickly as possible. Do not stop to retrieve personal possessions or make phone calls.
• Do not use elevators.

• Once you are out do not stand in front of windows, glass doors, or other potentially hazardous areas.
• Move away from sidewalks or streets to be used by emergency officials or others still exiting the building.

In a bus or train: Suicide bombings on buses and train cars have been very lethal. The safest spots may be near the back of the train car or bus, away from the entrance. If you can choose your car on a subway, select a less-crowded car towards the rear of the train. In a crowded compartment, it is safer to be sitting rather than standing, because you are less exposed to shrapnel and head wounds. If an explosion occurs on your train, but not in your car, prepare for a rapid derailment or stop. Assume a crash position with your head between your knees. If a bombing happens in your compartment on a bus or train, you are likely injured and in shock. Expect a follow-on bombing. Evacuate immediately. Exit the train or bus station expeditiously.

Walking, outside, at a public venue: If you are walking or sitting and a suicide bomber strikes nearby:

1. At the first flash or blast, hit the ground and get as low as possible to avoid debris and smoke. Shelter behind something and expect another bomb.
2. Get yourself and anyone you can to an exit and get out.
3. Beware of building collapse. Once you have made it out of the area, get away from any structures that could collapse from the first blast, or any other bombings that could follow.

What to do if you are injured, trapped in debris or hidden from sight

• If you are hurt and are able to evacuate, move away slowly from the affected area. Seek immediate medical attention if you have any of the following problems:

               Excessive bleeding

               Trouble breathing

               Persistent cough

               Trouble walking or using an arm or leg

               Stomach, back or chest pains

               Headache

               Blurred vision or burning eyes

               Dry mouth

               Vomiting or diarrhea

               Rash or burning skin

               Hearing problems

               Injuries that increase in pain, redness or swelling

               Injuries that do not improve after 24 to 48 hours

        Go to a hospital or clinic away from the event if you can. Most victims will go to the nearest hospital.    Hospitals away from the event will be less busy. You should expect long waits at the hospital. Choosing a hospital farther away from the event might increase your travel time, but you might receive care sooner. Injuries are generally treated on a “worst first” basis. If your injuries are not immediately life threatening, others might be treated before you. The idea is to save as many lives as possible. Additionally, in a large-scale emergency such as a terrorist attack, police, hospitals and clinics cannot track every individual by name. Keep in mind that it may be difficult for hospitals to provide information about loved ones following a terrorist attack. So please be patient.

 

• If you are unhurt but trapped in a building, stay put and protect your head and face from shattered glass or falling objects. Move away from unstable objects. Brace yourself against walls without glass windows or mounted shelves
• If you are hurt but cannot evacuate, elevate bleeding limbs above your heart or compress the bleeding, if you can.  Otherwise, move as little as possible to prevent further injury and to avoid kicking up dust, which can hinder breathing.
• If you are covered or out of view, try to remain calm. Struggling may aggravate your injuries.
• If possible, use a flashlight to signal your location to rescuers.
• Cover your nose and mouth with anything you have on hand. (Dense-weave cotton material can act as a good filter. Try to breathe through the material.)
• Tap on a pipe or wall so rescuers can hear where you are.
• If possible, use a whistle to signal rescuers.
• Shout only as a last resort. Shouting can cause a person to inhale dangerous amounts of dust and vapors

What to do After an Attack

• Beware of post blast hazards such as:

                 Collapsed walls

                 Overhanging slabs

                 Damaged Structures

                 Buckled columns / beams

                 Craters in ground

                 Shattered glass panels / broken glass

                 Sharp edged debris

                 Fires due to heat of explosion

                 Smoke and toxic fumes

                 Water and gas leaks due to damaged utility pipes

                 Exposed live electric cables

                 Potential secondary bomb devices

·

•  Render Assistance: If you are unhurt and trained in first aid, stabilize seriously injured casualties in place until emergency responders arrive. Remove casualties only if there is imminent danger. If you are not trained, do not remain in the hazard area to treat casualties. Note the location of seriously injured casualties and report their location to medical professionals arriving on scene. Do not enter a structurally damaged building to treat or rescue injured/trapped people. Ensure your own safety before trying to help others.

May God protect us all.

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