Dick Marcinko: The Top Ten Concepts Citizens Really Need to Know for Terrorism Readiness

Legendary Navy SEAL, best-selling author, and host of America On Watch, Dick Marcinko reveals the Top Ten concepts citizens need to know for terrorism readiness. Usable advice from the founder of the nation's premier counter terrorism unit (SEAL Team 6) and anti-terrorism unit (Red Cell).

Alexandria, VA, February 14, 2003 -- Legendary Navy SEAL Richard Dick" Marcinko, a.k.a. The Rogue Warrior, and host of the nationally syndicated radio show, America on Watch," released the Top Ten Concepts citizens need to know for terrorism readiness and prevention. Marcinko was the founder and commanding officer of "SEAL Team Six," (the Nation's premier counter-terrorist unit) and RED CELL (the U.S. Military premier anti-terrorism unit) and has over 30 years of experience in international affairs.

Marcinko believes that individual citizens can help prevent terrorism by understanding the central tenet of an attack: extensive planning by the terrorist. He explains: A basic element of a terrorist attack is its unqualified success. That requires careful and substantial planning by the terrorist. Any change in the target forces the attacker to change, and often abort." Reporting unusual activity, and a heightened police response, can cause enough change to disrupt an attack.

Im consulting with Sierra Services, a terrorism risk assessment company for the commercial real estate industry, and we developed this list in response to individual demand. Many people felt the instructions they were getting from TV were too vague. Importantly, we didnt feel they included a 'no-communication plan or decision tree, which are absolutely critical to being prepared," Marcinko explained.

1. Increase awareness. Individuals know what is normal, and what is out of place, in their personal surroundings. Listen to your intuition, if something seems out of place, it probably is. Watch unfamiliar people for signs of nervousness, and inappropriate dress.

2. Report only. If you notice something suspicious, report it to the authorities. Do not get personally involved, let law enforcement handle the situation. Often just telling co-workers, office managers, or friends can help you collectively decide whether an occurrence merits further reporting.

3. Be prepared. All individuals should be prepared for another attack. Two things are going to be problematic: communication and travel. Items 4-6 detail essential preparation strategies.

4. A no communication" plan. Develop a plan of actions you (and family members) will take in the event of a terrorist attack. Detail the steps you will take in a decision tree, particularly those related to your proximity to the attack. Share your plans with friends and family members. Your decision tree helps others know your whereabouts in case search and rescue efforts are required. It also identifies pre-determined evacuation locations and meeting places. Families should assign roles and responsibilities to members. In an attack, each member understands and executes their responsibility without hesitating to try and make telephone contact. Keep your plan as simple as possible.

5. Stay on full. Keep your car full of gas. Keep your medications full, have a back-up supply of life sustaining medications on hand at all times. Carry cash. Locate and transfer all important documents to a small and portable briefcase. Make copies and store with a trusted individual in a distant location.

6. Prepare a safe room. Choose an interior room with few windows. A room with water, a toilet and a phone is preferable. Convert a small duffle bag into a disaster kit: duct tape; plastic sheeting for windows, doors, and vents; battery powered radio; extra batteries; flashlight; first aid kit; over-the-counter meds; prescription meds; and changes of clothes. Include bottled water, food that does not need cooking, and a hand-operated can-opener. You need one gallon of water per day per person. Have five days of food and water on hand. Store it out of the way, but handy for transport to your room. Though not recommended by the government, inexpensive breathing filters rated N95 or better may reduce exposure to airborne agents. A sealed 10 x 10 room holds five hours of oxygen for one person, so pick an appropriate size room. The safe room is used to survive an initial attack; chemical and biologic agents will disperse to safer levels in a short period.

7. Recognize the signs. Time, distance and shielding keep you safer from radiological, biological and chemical agents. Move away quickly, uphill, upwind and seek shelter. Seek medical screening when emergency workers arrive. Many sick or dead birds, small animals or fish indicates a problem. Unusual odors, especially sweet, fruity, peppery or rotten eggs, likely indicate contamination. Increased salivation, tearing, muscle twitching, skin redness and trouble breathing indicates a serious threat and requires immediate action. Move away quickly. Remove all clothing, jewelry, glasses, contacts, and wigs. Cut off clothes rather than pull them over your head. Use water as a decontaminant. Wash hands first. If soap is available, use it, but dont wait for it. Avoid hard scrubbing, and blot dry, dont rub dry.

8. Evacuate or seek shelter? If not in immediate danger, stay inside and listen to the radio for instructions. After an attack, hazardous materials and debris may be in the air, increasing danger if on foot or in a car.

9. Take shelter. Lock doors and windows. Turn off heating/air units. Close vents and fireplace dampers. Use duct tape and plastic from your kit to cover windows, doors, vents, electric outlets, and holes around pipes. Use duct tape to seal a door, not a wet towel. Tune radio to emergency alert system.

10. Family evacuation. Make Go Packs" in advance: water, flashlight, food, clothing, and shoes. Adults should carry radio, cash, identification, and house keys. Learn alternate routes out of your area -- main roads may be blocked. Plan for your pets, too. Have a carrying case, ID tags, food, vet records, newspaper or litter on standby and ready to go. If possible go uphill and upwind. Do not evacuate unless instructed, or in immediate danger. Use routes suggested by authorities, others may be blocked or close to danger.

Dick Marcinko is making these concepts available so individuals can increase their readiness and decrease their anxiety. Remember, even when terrorism alerts are elevated, the risk of being involved in an attack is still low. The key is to be aware and prepared, and to be willing to live free of fear.

Marcinko currently lives in Alexandria, VA and hosts America On Watch," a nationally syndicated radio show which covers the political and military environment in America post 911. Marcinko has been a frequent guest on "Geraldo Live", is seen often on "Hard Ball with Chris Mathews", and has appeared as a featured guest on "The Larry King Show." He is the best selling author of the Rogue Warrior series of novels.

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