Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Preparation
Is there anything I can do to prepare myself to help others if an event were to occur?
The American Red Cross and other organizations provide classes on many skills that would be useful in the aftermath of a disaster. Knowing basic first aid could be life saving in the hours after a disaster. Please check the Boston Chapter Red Cross to find out what courses they offer at http://www.bostonredcross.org/

Also the American Red Cross has provides basic first aid tips on their web site at http://www.redcross.org/ (they are found on the bottom of the web page).

Should I really duct tape and put plastic wrap around my entire house?
Duct tape and plastic wrap may be used if local authorities ask you to shelter in place when there is harmful material in the air. However when the shelter in place is a called, instead of wrapping all of your windows, find one room with as few windows as possible and duct tape the door. If there are any windows then use duct tape and plastic wrap on those windows.
More information can be found at this American Red Cross link

Is there anything I should do that would help me protect my apartment and belongings if an event were to occur?
Insurance might be the key if an event were to occur. Renter’s insurance for apartments and home insurance policies should be bought, reviewed or changed if necessary. The Red Cross has outlined some major preparations you can take in preparing for an emergency to occur found at this American Red Cross link.

Emergency while using transportation
What should I do if I am driving in my car and an event occurs?
If you are close to your home or work, then you should continue on your way home. However, if there is an immediate danger, stop driving pull over in a safe area and listen to the radio for further instructions. If there is a bioterrorist threat as advised on the radio it is important to seal the vents and limit your exposure to outside air. For more information visit the Department of Homeland Security’s web site at http://www.ready.gov/vehicle.html or this American Red Cross link

Living or Working in a High Rise Building
I live / work in a high-rise building, what should I do to protect myself if an attack were to occur?
Knowing your escape routes are the first way you can prepare yourself along with creating a disaster supply kit. If your room/office is near the windows, make sure you have a place to take cover (for example, under your desk), if the windows were to shatter.
For more information on how to assure you are safe in a high-rise check out this Homeland Security web page or the Occupational Safety & Health Administration’s web site at

Suspicious Activities
Everyone talks about being vigilant and watching for suspicious activities, what are some suspicious activities?
Leaving bags unattended, leaving an unattended car in a no parking zone, jagged edges sticking out from a jacket, wearing long jackets out of season, and a person sweating, nervous and constantly looking around are some examples of suspicious activities. It is best to use common sense when determining what is suspicious. Always remember that person’s actions make them suspicious not their ethnicity. Another factor that would influence whether an acitivity should be considered suspicious is the area. Certain places such as high rise buildings, T stations, and sporting arenas may be more likely targets as thus warrant more suspicion. If you hear someone bragging or claiming to be in a terrorist group, take the threat seriously and call the police. Also when noticing suspicious activity, be sure you can describe the person in question and any vehicle that they might have used.
For further information regarding suspicious activity, please check the Boston Police website at http://www.cityofboston.gov/police or there brochure on Family Preparedness.

Water Supply
I have heard that terrorists may attack reservoirs with chemicals, what is happening to prevent this form occurring?
The Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) is on the frontline of technology in both testing water and security around water resources. See what the MWRA is doing in order to prevent our water from being infected.

The Communicable Disease Control (CDC) division of Boston Public Health works extensively with the MWRA in order to prevent the spread of disease through the water supply. Please click on the following link to learn more about the CDC’s role in protecting the water that you drink.

How would I know if my water was contaminated?
According to Massachusetts state law, MWRA or other water suppliers must notify the recipients of the water immediately if the water supply has been contaminated. This is done through radio or television. In the event the water supply does become contaminated, listen to advice from state and local officials before using any water.

Food Supply
What is being done in order to ensure the food supply is safe in the wake of the terrorist attacks?
The United States Food and Drug Administration is a world leader in food safety. Since September 2001, the FDA has increased security even more in order to guarantee that food reaches you as safely as possible. Please check on their website to see how they are responding to the events that occurred in the fall of 2001.
http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/fsterrqa.html

Nuclear Power Plants
There are two power plants within an hour of Boston, one in Plymouth and one in Seabrook, New Hampshire, should I be concerned about terrorist threats against the plants and radiation exposure?
After September 11th, all nuclear power plants increased security around their facilities. The Coast Guard monitors the water around Pilgrim Power Plant in Plymouth and there is still a strong security presence around the plants. In many ways the plants are the safest they have ever been. However if an attack on a nuclear power plant were to occur, it is important to know how to limit your exposure to radiation in the air. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has developed a plan to deal with such an event. For more information visit http://www.state.ma.us/dph/media/2002/pr0725.htm.
In addition, the Department of Homeland Security has issued advice on how to protect yourself which can be found in the following link http://www.ready.gov/radiation.html

Pets
What should I plan to do for my pet in an emergency?
Pets are not allowed in city shelters, so it is important to have a plan in mind before an emergency occurs that accommodates your pets as well. It might be best to stay with family or friends instead of shelters so you can stay with your pets. Also remember in your disaster kit by including food and water for them. Please check the following link on how to better prepare your pet for an emergency http://www.nyc.gov/html/oem/pdf/pet_preparedness.pdf

Evacuation
What should I do if Boston must be evacuated?
The Boston Police Department has evacuation routes in place and in the case of an emergency the routes would be well marked. It is important to wear a long sleeve shirt, pants and sturdy shoes when evacuating. It is important to stay on the evacuation route that the police established. If you take shortcuts, you may encounter dangerous situations that caused the evacuation route to be established in the first place.

Travel
Should I cancel my plans to travel immediately if an emergency event occurs?
The U.S. Department of State is the source that would advise whether to cancel or take caution when traveling to certain locations. For more information, visit http://travel.state.gov/.
The U.S. Department of State has also compiled advice on traveling abroad at http://www.travel.state.gov/asafetripabroad.html.
Before leaving for the airport, you may want to read a list of suggestions Massport provides to at http://www.massport.com/logan/insid_secur.html

For more info contact:
Public Health Preparedness
(617) 534-2333 (phone)
(617) 534- (fax)
php@bphc.org
1010 Massachusetts Ave - 2nd Floor
Boston, MA 02118