Terrorism

Understanding and Combating Terrorism

Terrorism is defined by Merriam-Webster as:

1. The unlawful use or threat of violence, especially against the state or public, as a politically motivated means of attack or coercion.
2. Violent and intimidating gang activity.

Cyberterrorism, according to the FBI, involves premeditated, politically motivated attacks against information, computer systems, programs and data, which result in violence against non-combatant targets by sub-national groups or clandestine agents.

As citizens, there are various ways to report suspicious activities and protect ourselves, our families, our county and our country. The most crucial action is to contact 9-1-1 or local law enforcement immediately.

For more information, visit the U.S. Department of Homeland Security website to learn about the National Terrorism Advisory System and current alerts.

Active Shooter Preparedness

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) promotes a "whole community" approach to preparedness, offering training, products and resources on active shooter awareness, incident response and workplace violence. Active shooter situations are unpredictable and can evolve quickly, with no set pattern for victim selection. DHS provides free courses, materials and workshops to help you better prepare for an active shooter situation and recognize pre-incident indicators. Visit their website for more information.

Cybersecurity

To protect yourself online, it's essential to secure your web browser. The United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team offers a guide to securing popular browsers such as Microsoft Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox and Apple Safari.

"If You See Something, Say Something"

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) emphasizes that homeland security starts with hometown security. Citizens are encouraged to report suspicious activities, such as unattended backpacks in public places, leaking packages or someone attempting to access a restricted area. If you observe suspicious behavior or activities, report it to local law enforcement, or call 9-1-1 in an emergency. Learn more about this national anti-terrorism campaign and take the challenge on the DHS website.

NetSmartz Workshop

NetSmartz Workshop, an interactive educational program by the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children® (NCMEC), provides age-appropriate resources to teach children how to stay safe both online and offline. The program targets children aged 5-17, parents, guardians, educators and law enforcement, offering videos, games, activity cards and presentations that entertain while educating.

Goals:

• Educate children on recognizing potential Internet risks.
• Engage children and adults in conversations about online and offline risks.
• Empower children to prevent exploitation and report victimization to a trusted adult.

Click here to learn more.