Terrorism and Bioterrorism: Is Pasadena Prepared?

any people in Pasadena have asked whether the city is prepared to respond to a terrorist or bioterrorist attack. While there have been no credible threats against Pasadena, it is important that all residents are as prepared as possible.

Q. Is Pasadena prepared for a terrorist attack?
A. We are as prepared as possible. The Pasadena Public Health Department has policies and supplies in place; the Pasadena Police Department’s Counterterrorism Section investigates and analyzes possible terrorism activity and works in partnership with local, state and federal agencies and task forces; the Pasadena Fire Department is prepared to handle incidents involving hazardous materials and search and rescue operations; Pasadena Water and Power has ensured the safety and integrity of our energy and water systems; and many city employees have received ongoing specialized training in emergency operations. Additionally, the city is a partner in a coalition of organizations and agencies that works to improve local coordination of emergency planning, preparedness and response.

Q. How is Pasadena Water and Power safeguarding our water supply?
A. PWP has a multiple lock system at all critical water facilities. The perimeters are gated and the reservoirs and booster stations are fully enclosed. Access to facilities is limited to authorized personnel only. As part of normal operating procedures, field staff regularly monitor water facilities for potential tampering and maintenance needs, while our in-house Water Quality Lab tests daily for a multitude of contaminants. PWP also communicates with a network of critical agencies including Pasadena Police, Fire and Public Health departments, California Department of Health Services and Metropolitan Water District of Southern California.

Q. Should I pay attention to Homeland Security threat levels?
A. Yes. The five threat levels developed by the U.S. Office of Homeland Security change from time to time depending on intelligence received by the CIA, FBI and other agencies. Pasadena is usually one level below that set by the federal government. The levels in Pasadena are: I (Low/Green) Normal Operations; II (Guarded /Blue) Near Normal Operations; III (Elevated/Yellow) Increased Prevention and Readiness Preparations; IV (High/Orange) Local Tactical Alert Requiring Special Operations; V (Severe/ Red) Full Tactical Mobilization. The current threat level in Pasadena can be found by visiting www.ci.pasadena.ca.us and clicking on “Emergency Preparedness” or calling 744-4000 during normal working hours.

Q. What should I do in the event of a bioterrorist attack?
A. In the highly unlikely event that this happens in or near Pasadena, turn off all fans, heating and air conditioning systems. Close the fireplace damper. Get your disaster supplies kit and make sure the radio is working. Go to an interior room without windows that is above ground level. Using duct tape, seal all cracks around the door and any vents into the room. Keep listening to your radio or television until you are told all is safe or you are told to evacuate. The City of Pasadena will make use of 55 KPAS and the city web site (www.ci.pasadena.ca.us) whenever possible. Local officials may call for evacuation in specific areas at greatest risk in Pasadena. In this case, announcements will be made door-to-door or via loud speakers on public safety vehicles.

Q. What if my children are at school at the time of an attack?
A. Check with your child’s school now so you can be aware of that school’s emergency preparedness plan. Make sure the school has updated information on how to reach you and other designated caregivers.

Q. What should I know about smallpox?
A. Smallpox is an acute, contagious and sometimes fatal disease caused by the variola virus and marked by fever and a distinctive progressive skin rash. It is spread from person to person through close contact. In 1980, the disease was declared eradicated following worldwide vaccination programs. However, in the aftermath of the events of September and October 2001, the U. S. government is taking precautions for dealing with a potential bioterrorist attack using smallpox as a weapon. A nationwide smallpox response plan has been developed to vaccinate people quickly and contain a smallpox outbreak. The first step of the plan requires the creation of vaccinated healthcare teams that would respond to a smallpox emergency. Pasadena Public Health Department staff are among the healthcare teams that are being vaccinated.

Q. Can I go to my doctor and get the smallpox vaccine?
A. At this time, the smallpox vaccine is not available for the general public. In the event of a smallpox outbreak, however, there is enough smallpox vaccine to vaccinate everyone who would need it.

Q. Should I buy gas masks for my family?
A. No. Gas masks are not designed to protect against biologic agents; they are designed to protect against chemical agents, but only if they are worn at the exact same time the chemical is released. Improper use and incorrect fitting of gas masks can cause serious injury and even death, especially for infants, seniors and people with heart and/or lung problems.

Q. How can I deal with my fears about bioterrorism?
A. Be aware that you are not alone. It is reasonable for people to feel anxious about their personal safety. If your fear stops you from doing your normal activities, help is available through local agencies and may be available from your health care provider. Call 744-4000 for a list of referrals.

Q. What should I tell my children?
A. Reassure them that you will keep them as safe as possible. Limit their exposure to news broadcasts and try to remain as calm as possible when you watch the news if your young children are nearby. Encourage older children and adolescents to talk about their feelings and help them find out how to help the national effort at a local level. Discuss your family’s disaster communications plan and make sure older children know who to reach and where to meet in the event of an emergency.

Q. What can I do to make sure my family is prepared?
A. We are more likely to be impacted by an earthquake than a terrorist incident, and the basic emergency preparedness is the same: (1) Every household should have a preparedness kit for earthquakes and other emergencies. The kit should be kept up to date and stocked with enough supplies for at least 72 hours of self-sufficiency. (2) Stay informed; make your decisions and form your opinions based on fact instead of fear. Do not trust verbal and email rumors and do not rely on information found on web sites that are not associated with official agencies. Official web sites include www.oes.ca.gov (State of California Department of Emergency Services), www.cdc.gov (Centers for Disease Control) and www.redcross.org (American Red Cross). If you do not have Internet access at home, Pasadena Public Library and all branches provide this service free of charge.

Q. How can I help my neighborhood?
A. Make sure you and your neighbors share family emergency plans with each other. Be sure to check on your neighbors in the unlikely event of a terrorist or bioterrorist attack.

Q. How can I get more information?
A. The California Office of Emergency Services has a hotline (1-800-550-5234) with information in English and Spanish that addresses health and safety concerns. For more information about smallpox, call the Pasadena Public Health Department at 744-6128 during normal business hours. Additional tips and other information can be found by going to www.ci.pasadena.ca.us and clicking on “Emergency Preparedness” or calling 744-4000.

This information was compiled with the help of city staff, the American Red Cross and the California Office of Emergency Services.

Disaster Supplies Kit

Most people need at least two quarts of water each day; children, nursing mothers and ill people will need more.

Make sure food items are compact and lightweight and need no refrigeration or special preparation.

A first aid kit should include bandages, soap, latex gloves, sunscreen, non-prescription drugs, scissors, disinfectant, etc.

Include at least one complete change of clothing and footwear plus basic bedding for each person.

Tools and supplies may include eating utensils, a battery-operated flashlight and radio plus extra batteries, a small amount of cash, a non-electric can opener, a wrench to shut off gas and water, personal hygiene items and a plastic bucket with a tight lid.

Make sure you include special items such as prescription drugs and items for infants, seniors and disabled persons.

For copies of American Red Cross Community Disaster Education materials, contact the San Gabriel Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross at sgvarc@crossnet.org or 799-0841.

Excerpted from “Disaster Supplies Kit” developed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the American Red Cross.