Public Education Campaign Designing a Public Education Essay

Public Education Campaign

Designing a Public Education Campaign

Public education anti-terrorist campaign concerning new hazards

Unlike a hurricane or a tornado, the aftereffects of a terrorist event can be very difficult to predict. The methods of terrorists are always changing, as they constantly strive to outwit law enforcement officials, inspire fear, and generate destruction. Almost every recent terrorist action has been unique in its impact and approach. While it is advisable that all members of the public have a contingency plan for disasters, such designating a place for family or friends to meet; having working flashlights on hand in the event of a power outage, and having stores of canned food and water, there is no guarantee that such methods can protect against all possible repercussions.

During incidents such as the World Trade Towers bombing, a number of unplanned circumstances were generated by the fallout. The health consequences for workers at Ground Zero, who lacked adequate equipment to protect themselves against the inhaled dust and particles on site, are one example. Emergency personnel have tried to learn from the incident by generating more effective ways to coordinate responses and communication between national, state, and local authorities. But on a personal level, ordinary citizens must understand that there are certain aspects terrorist crises that cannot be planned for, even if they take all advised preventative measures regarding preparedness. Citizens must know that they must 'expect the unexpected' even while they should plan and purchase recommended supplies.The Federal Office of Emergency Management (FEMA) currently advises that all American citizens have on hand, in the wake of a terrorist event a portable, battery-operated radio and extra batteries; several flashlights and extra batteries; a first aid kit and manual (presumably some elementary training in CPR and other lifesaving techniques is also advisable); hard hats and dust masks, and fluorescent tape to rope off dangerous areas (General information about terrorism, 2010, FEMA). The Centers for Disease Control (CDC), as is consistent with its mission to promote public health stresses the need for citizens to protect themselves against biological attacks such as anthrax, bacteria, and other pathogens. Not opening up strange packages, handling unknown organic substances with care, and routine hand-washing, sterilizing, are all advised on a daily basis.

However, any of these measures, depending upon the nature of the attack, could prove to be ineffectual against a terrorist campaign. Of far greater importance is the need to ensure that the public remains calm during a crisis. Because of the insidious nature of biological threats in particular, which can be spread silently, there is no guarantee that general methods of disease containment on a daily basis will have an impact. Washing hands and obeying other disease mitigating activities is always advisable to reduce….....