terror in the heart of the city malfunctioning bomb empties · 2010-06-08 · this foiled attack...

Distribution: This message is intended exclusively for the individual or entity to which it is addressed. If you are not the intended recipient, You are hereby notified that any disclosure, dissemination, copying or distributing of this transmission is strictly prohibited. This is intended for the intended recipient only. The material in this document is taken from multiple sources and is analyzed for significance to first responders. The recommendations are an opinion of the writer and should be evaluated by the reader for relevance. Any questions should be referred to: [email protected]

Terror In The Heart Of The City Malfunctioning Bomb Empties New York’s Times Square

A suspicious vehicle caused authorities to shut down one of the world’s busiest streets, New York’s Times Square recently. Emergency personnel cleared thousands of tourists and theatergoers from the area, as police found a potentially deadly car bomb that apparently began to detonate but malfunctioned and did not explode. Points to consider: This foiled attack would appear to follow a "blueprint" used by al-Qaeda linked groups using the "modus operandi" of a small number of determined attackers with relatively unsophisticated weapons attacking vulnerable civilian targets with no warning. This potential disaster was averted when a T-shirt vendor alerted police to a suspicious four-wheel drive vehicle. Police quickly established an isolation area around the car then used a robotic arm to break the windows of the SUV and remove the explosive materials, including three propane tanks, consumer-grade fireworks, and two filled 5-gallon gasoline containers, two-clocks with batteries, 100-pounds of “harmless” fertilizer, electrical wire and other components. Although the improvised explosive device has been described as amateurish, investigators say the device could have exploded with enough force to produce a fireball, causing many casualties. Be aware that terrorists worldwide have used easily obtainable propane cylinders which is just as effective as other explosives in car bombs in the past including the Glasgow International Airport attack, and an eerily similar London theater district bombing attempt. Furthermore investigators warn that a grim fact that is not in dispute: New York holds an irresistible attraction for those individuals intent on inflicting harm, or eliciting support for their cause and must always considered a top terrorism target. Additionally, while it is not yet clear whether this failed bombing was of domestic or foreign origin, a terrorist monitoring group said the Pakistan’s Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP) leader, Hakimullah Mehsud, who had been reported killed in a US drone strike in January, surfaced recently in two videos posted on militant websites with English subtitles claiming responsibility, and promising more attacks in retaliation for the killing Islamist leaders, Experts caution that this group has made false claims in the past and to date have shown no evidence of having international reach, but regardless we must consider the possibility that this incident is the latest in a series of plots against U.S. targets in the last year. Experts warn these plots may indicate a shift to harder to prevent, small-scale strikes by small groups or lone offenders that have few recognized connections with al-Qaeda or other large terrorist organizations. While local and federal law enforcement agencies continue to investigating possible ties to an international group, several arrests have been made including one suspect in the bombing, apprehended as he attempted to flee the US bound for Dubai, UAE, and several arrests in Pakistan.

May 5, 2010

The smoking vehicle that shut down Times Square is the first car bomb in the New York since February 1993's deadly explosion at the World Trade Center, when a 1,300-pound bomb in a yellow Ryder van was detonated below the north tower, killing six people and injuring 1,042 others. Be aware that Vehicle Borne Explosive Device (VBIED) attacks have become a weapon of choice for terrorists due to the availability of the large numbers of easily hijacked vehicles such as SUVs, cars, trucks which can conceal a large amount of explosives.


Report: Highlights Attempts To Derail Trains The Mineta Transportation Institute (MTI) recently released a new research report, titled “Off the Rails” highlighting the attractiveness of targeting our surface transportation systems. Points to consider: The report states that a successful attack can deliver the kind of results sought by terrorists, including high body counts, significant disruptions, spectacular images, and vast publicity for their cause. Consider the monumental task at hand, more than 10.2 billion trips were taken on public transit in 2009, the surface transportation system in the US consists of more than 100,000 miles of rail, 600,000 bridges, and more than 300 tunnels. Public transportation is open, dynamic and inherently vulnerable to attacks and has been called the “Ultimate Soft Target.” Terror against rail passengers and transport is not a new phenomenon; only the scale, sophistication and public impact of the recent attacks sets them apart. For a variety of reasons, similar attacks or attempts at attacks are likely to be with us for the foreseeable future. Stations, rail lines, people/ hazardous materials, and other freight are everywhere, and difficult to defend. Train cars carry hundreds of passengers in an enclosed environment where an attack has the potential to wreak maximum damage, and economic disruption is substantial. Finally remember that the threat to mass transportation must never be underestimated because is attractive in part because it can be carried out with minimal resources in numerous ways.

Cyber Attacks Jeopardize Security The Internet is defined as a global system of interconnected computer networks consisting of millions of private, public, academic, business, and government networks of local to global scope that are linked by a broad array of electronic and optical networking technologies to serve billions of users. Now we need to find ways to make it safe. Points to consider: Experts say that countries like China and Russia have dedicated considerable resources to the cyber battlefront, while the US has been slow to react. Consider that the U.S. power grid, a 6-million-mile web of electrical distribution lines powering up nearly 145 million homes and businesses across the country. They're all controlled by computer commands and open to cyber-attack.

Book Explores Allure Of Radical Islam A recently released novel titled “American Taliban” by Pearl Abraham is said to have been Inspired by John Walker Lindh known as the "American Taliban."

Points to consider: Lindh spent his formative years in an affluent Northern California community known for its tolerance and open-mindedness, then spent a semester at a university in Pakistan, studying Arabic and learning firsthand about Muslim religion and culture. According to the author, Lindh”s life took a radical turn when he was drawn into a fascination with radical Islam, through online chat rooms. Consider that extremists have long used social networking sites to post and support radical ideologies and perspectives. Recently experts have said that these sites have expanded which may further enable terrorists to use the Internet and online forums to recruit people and cultivate extremists who align themselves with their mission. Furthermore, be aware of a report called the 2010 Digital Hate Report, recently released by the Simon Wiesenthal Center for Tolerance, which found a 20% increase in hate-filled social networks, Web sites, forums, blogs, Twitter feeds, and so on from last year. Finally, consider the theory that the war on terror is fundamentally a war of ideas. If true then al-Qaeda’s direct access to such a large community of online jihadist sympathizers is a bad sign, and should be viewed as a major concern as a present and future threat.

Certificate in Terrorism Studies: http://www.informaglobalevents.com/LR0037NE1L1


Report: New Radical Coalition Forming A new report by the Brussels-based International Crisis Group (ICG) warns that despite a recent major police crackdown on terrorist training camps in Aceh splinter groups may be merging to form a new jihadi coalition calling itself "Al Qaeda Indonesia in Aceh". Points to consider: The ICG warns that Indonesia has succeeded in dismantling one al-Qaeda-style terrorist network but a new group, dubbed "Al-Qaeda Indonesia in Aceh", represents a "third wave" of jihadist extremism in the world's most densely inhabited Muslim-majority country, saying. Most of the members this new group are former prisoners, most of them arrested on terrorism or drugs charges and recruited and radicalized in prison. "Jihadi groups do not disappear after waves of arrests; they evolve and mutate, taking on new forms. The killing of its leaders does not eliminate the ideology of salafi jihadism," the report said.

Two Men Charged With Aiding Terrorists Two New York men have been charged with conspiracy to provide material support to al-Qaeda in part by buying Casio watches online for Osama bin Laden’s terrorist network. Points to consider: Consider that Casio watches are available worldwide at an inexpensive price. They are some of the most advanced timepieces available featuring unusual tools integrated into the watch, including thermometers, altitude readings, and even gauges for determining atmospheric pressure. Because of these features they and have been extensively used by al-Qaeda and associated organizations as timers for improvised explosive devices (IED).

Terrorism Scare Recently Metropolitan Transit Agency (MTA) subway track workers spotted a suspicious man deep inside the tunnel under New York’s East River sparking a brief terrorism scare. Points to consider: The workers took him aboard a train to a nearby subway station, where he was questioned by police, and discovered he was carrying a backpack containing; sodium cyanide pellets, five highway flares and two bottles of water. Investigators ruled out terrorism, when he convinced them that his plan was to commit suicide in an isolated spot by swallowing the chemicals. Consider that fortunately the alert MTA workers spotted the disturbed individual but what is the most disturbing is that an unauthorized person was able to gain access to a potentially vulnerable area, which should be secure from terrorists, criminals and other unauthorized people.

May Day Celebration Targeted An explosive placed in the VIP box area at southern Russia’s Nalchik racetrack during the May Day horse races killed one person and injured at least 30 others recently.

Points to consider: Officials have said the initial investigations indicate that the explosive device was three to five kilograms, and equipped with a timer mechanism. Be aware that for Russia's Communist Party, May Day is a throw back to their cherished International Worker's Day celebrations under the Soviet Union, where tens of thousands of Communists, carrying red flags and pictures of wartime leader Joseph Stalin, participated in May Day parades across the ex-USSR. Consider that terrorists target two types of targets: symbolic items of the country, and places with large numbers of people. Events of this type should be considered significant targets of terrorism because they are so strongly connected with a countries economy and culture, has the potential for mass casualties, and would reap huge national and international media attention.

This year’s conference will be held October 25th-29th, 2010 at the Palace Station Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, NV. Some areas of focus for the conference:

• Evolution of Mass Hostage Siege Tactics • Protecting Large Gatherings • Soft Target Attacks (Mumbai Attack) • Psychological Impact and Implications to First Responders

For information call 1-866-573-3999


ATF Investigating Package Bomb Police and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) are cooperating in a joint investigation to determine the origin of an incendiary device found recently in front of a Colleyville, TX home in a FedEx box. A woman opened the cardboard box at her home and saw what looked like a bomb with a battery attached, and called 911. Points to consider: The Northeast Explosive Response Team was called and used a remote-controlled vehicle and water cannon to render the device safe. The components of the alleged improvised incendiary device (IID) were sent to an ATF office as part of the ongoing investigation to try to determine who made it. According to investigators the motive behind the mailing of the explosives was not immediately clear, and police were investigating whether the woman was the intended recipient. Consider that packaging for package bombs takes many forms, ranging from letter bombs to large packages and can come from any source. Additionally be aware that experts list some indications of a mail bomb to include: none or incomplete return address, bulkier than normal letters, rigid, uneven appearance, protruding wires or aluminum foil, and springiness in the top, bottom, or sides

Explosive Plot Foiled Police arrested an 18-year-old woman and a 22-year-old man after discovering nearly 3-tons of commercial explosives hidden in a bathroom of their Johannesburg, SA house. Points to consider: Authorities believe the explosives had been stolen from a shipping container depot and would be used by a criminal syndicate to blow up ATMs. This has been a huge problem globally and South African officials saying that ATM bombings have increased by 3000% over the past three years.

Police Officers Ambushed Officials say that a 25-year-old man with a history of violence shot and killed one Detroit police officer in a gun battle at a suspected drug house that left four other officers wounded. Points to consider: Consider that the threat of Crime hovering over every community in our nation like an ominous dark cloud. A recent national crime clock indicates an increasing number of violent crimes, occurring every 22 seconds. In addition we must be aware of the increasing number of officers attacked which would seem to indicate that criminals are becoming more violent and aggressive.

Officer Shot By Smugglers Police officers using helicopters hunted gunmen in Arizona's desert after a Pinal County sheriff's deputy was wounded by five alleged drug smugglers, 50 miles south of Phoenix.

Points to consider: Authorities searching for the suspects that shot the Arizona sheriff's deputy and have reported that they captured 17 suspected illegal immigrants including three they suspect might have been involved in the incident. Consider that Mexico has been plagued by drug-related violence in recent years, and although the level of drug-related violence in Mexico has not surfaced in the U.S., recent incidents have raised concerns among law enforcement officials. Their presence and ruthless tactics are largely unknown to most here but Mexican drug-trafficking organizations are believed to be operating in 195 U.S. cities, federal law enforcement officials say. The biggest worry for law enforcement groups is that the cartels will bring with them their violent methods.

Special offer for TVR recipients: Our friends as Security Solutions International (SSI) have offered The Counter Terrorist Magazine at a discounted price of $29.99 for the first year to all TVR recipients. Just paste the link below into your browser.

https://thecounterterroristmag.magazinemanager.com/subscribe/subscribe_renewOnlineCFGS_SecuritySolutions.asp?renew=&source=CT10TVR


Severe Weather Rips Through Arkansas Officials are bracing for more severe weather, after several tornadoes ripped through central Arkansas recently destroying homes, killing at least three people and injured more than two-dozen others. Points to consider:

A tornado is a violently rotating column of air, strong tornadoes can attain an awe-inspiring intensity, with wind speeds that exceed 200 mph and in extreme cases may approach 300 mph. Consider that tornadoes can form any time of the year in the US, but the "tornado season" is generally in the spring when tornadoes are more prevalent (April through July), with May and June being the peak months. According to experts, tornadoes can and do occur in every state, but the area in which tornadoes are most prevalent is known as "tornado alley," typically defined the region from Texas north to Nebraska.

Attempted Theft Causes Leak A would-be thief cut one of the copper pipes from a Concord, CA library cooling system causing a release of Freon resulting in the building's closure. Points to consider: Consider that there has been a significant increase in brass and copper scrap values, leading to a worldwide upsurge in crime that involves stealing copper, whether pipes, fittings or wiring. Additionally, Freon (UN 1976) is a refrigerant used for residential and commercial air conditioning and for medium- and low-temperature commercial refrigeration applications. If involved in a fire, product may decompose yielding toxic fumes, and other oxidation products. Oxygen deficiency may occur in the presence of high concentrations resulting in asphyxiation. For general operating procedures refer to the Emergency Response Guidebook, guide # 126.

Hundreds Evacuated Due To Semi Fire Recently hundreds of Albert Lea, MN residents were evacuated from their homes after a semi pulling double trailers carrying thousands of pounds of explosives and 4200-pounds of arsenic caught fire. Points to consider: A dolly that connected to the second trailer to the first trailer had a mechanical issue, which caused a fire. Fortunately the fire was quickly contained because and the risk of explosions had the fire involved the ammunition in the second trailer, or potential creating a poisonous gas had the first trailers load of arsenic become involved.

Deadly Southeast Flooding At least 27 people were killed recently as heavy rainfall hit Tennessee, Mississippi, and Georgia causing widespread flooding, displacing thousands from their homes, closing interstates, and turning streets and parking lots into raging rivers.

Points to consider: Consider that each year natural disasters create major problems around the world, contributing to more than two thirds of the major disasters. The reality is that these events can happen anywhere, no matter how unlikely or unpredictable, and it’s important to remain aware and prepared for the possibility of an emergency. When a disaster happens, rapid response saves lives. The faster and more coordinated emergency response efforts are, the more effective they can be. Because most first responders do not respond to large scale emergencies every day, it is important to stress effective response requires a disciplined team in which each participating individual follows clear lines of communication and performs according to clearly assigned roles and directions.

Fight Flood Water with Water, not SAND!!!

Flood-Sax: instantly available, activates immediately, and stacks in seconds. For information call 1-866-573-3999


Subway Fire Injures 20 Twenty people suffered smoke inhalation recently due to a smoky fire in a downtown Boston Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority (MBTA) subway tunnel, forcing the removal of passengers from trains and the shutdown of several lines. Points to consider:

The fire was contained to a Red Line tunnel but was near a congested area where several train lines intersect underground, forcing the MBTA shut off power to the Orange and Green lines in the area as a precaution. Consider that it is important to understand that although railroading today is the safest of all modes of American transportation and, train incidents are at one of their lowest levels ever, train cars carry hundreds of passengers in an enclosed environment. Mass transportation incidents do happen and can have a profound effect on first a responders operation. Recognize that this fire highlights the potential for mass casualty incident that is present in our aging rail system. Prior to commencing operations, size-up is crucial in evaluating hazards, tactics, and available resources

Arson Plague Continues A reward has been offered for information leading to the conviction of the person(s) responsible for a string of 35 arson fires in the Pembroke and Perry areas of Maine since the snow melted. Points to consider: Arson is also a very difficult crime to solve; only 15% of arson cases are closed by arrest, and only 2% result in conviction. The biggest problem in solving arson is that evidence is destroyed immediately or altered significantly. Consider all first responders can contribute to arson investigations. Recognizing that any incident has the potential to be a crime scene, until otherwise determined, trying to preserve potential evidence that may be used by investigators.

Ammonia Spill Closes Highway Highway 99 in Sutter County, CA was closed in both directions for more than seven hours recently after a tanker overturned, spilling liquid ammonia in an orchard beside the road. Points to consider: Ammonia (UN2672) is corrosive to the skin, eyes, and lungs. Exposure to 300 ppm is immediately dangerous to life and health. Ammonia is also flammable at concentrations of approximately 15% to 28% by volume in air. When mixed with lubricating oils, its flammable concentration range is increased. It can explode if released in an enclosed space with a source of ignition present, or if a vessel containing anhydrous ammonia is exposed to fire. Fortunately, ammonia has a low odor threshold (20 ppm), so most people will seek relief at much lower concentrations. For general operating procedures depending on the concentration, refer to the Emergency Response Guidebook, guide #125 or #154.

Homes Evacuated Due To Chlorine Leak Nearby homes in Harriman, VA were evacuated recently affecting several hundred people while Roane County hazardous materials crews worked to contain a chlorine gas leak after a man punctured a tank in an attempt to drain it, and was overcome by chlorine fumes escaping from the canister. Points to consider: Chlorine gas is heavier than air, with strong irritating bleach like odor. It is a corrosive and irritating to the eyes, skin and mucous membranes. Chlorine is an oxidizer and may explode or accelerate combustion if in contact with reducing agents. For general operating procedures refer to the Emergency Response Guidebook, guide # 124.

Chemical Discovery Prompts Evacuation The MARS Centre medical research building, which is part of the University of Toronto in downtown Toronto, Canada was evacuated recently after a lab technician, noticed that a small bottle of picric acid had crystallized.

Points to consider: Picric acid can be a useful laboratory reagent; however, dry picric acid is a shock-sensitive explosive capable of releasing energy on a level similar to dynamite. In a confined area such, the force of a picric acid explosion could be devastating; due to its unstable nature, dry picric acid is forbidden from being transported in the U.S. For general operating procedures refer to the Emergency Response Guidebook, guide # 113.


Explosion Clears Hospital Emergency Room A battery explosion led to evacuation of the Methodist Hospital emergency room and a parking garage in San Antonio, TX recently. Points to consider: Hazmat crews ventilated the building, taking readings because the battery exploded in a storage room, resulting in a potentially dangerous mix of chemicals. Consider that hazards arise when servicing, charging, the common lead-acid battery. These batteries produce flammable hydrogen gas while being charged. This highly explosive gas, generated within the cells, will expand and seep out of the battery and a spark from any source could ignite the gas, causing an explosion.

911 Call Reports Hydrogen Leak Responders evacuated all employees from Building 740 at the Tech Park in South Charleston, West Virginia recently due to a hydrogen gas leak on the fourth floor. Points to consider: Hydrogen (UN1049) is a flammable, colorless, odorless, compressed gas packaged in cylinders at high pressure. It poses an immediate fire and explosive hazard. It is much lighter than air and burns with a pale blue, nearly invisible flame. Hydrogen is lighter than air and can accumulate in the upper sections of enclosed spaces. For general operating procedures refer to the Emergency Response Guidebook, guide # 115.

Chlorine Leak Clears Water Treatment Plant Hazmat crews responded to an Oneida County water filtration plant in Annsville, NY recently after an automatic alarm alerted officials that chlorine was leaking from a valve on one of the chlorine tanks. Points to consider: Officials used Reverse 911 to advise residents within a 2-mile radius to keep their doors and windows closed as a precaution, as the Hazmat crew operated. Consider that chlorine (UN 1017) is a greenish-yellow gas or a clear, amber colored liquid with a suffocating, pungent, irritating odor. Chlorine and water can be very corrosive. Although non-flammable, chlorine is a strong oxidizer and will support the burning of most combustible materials. Flammable gases and vapors can form explosive mixtures with chlorine. Chlorine can react violently when in contact with many materials and generate heat with possible flammable or explosive vapors. Chlorine gas is heavier than air and will collect in low-lying areas. For general operating procedures refer to the Emergency Response Guidebook, guide # 124.

Ethanol tanker Overturns The driver of a tanker truck carrying 7.500-gallons of ethanol lost control of his big-rig on Highway-63 in Mammoth Springs, AR, rolling on its side and spilling its flammable cargo. Points to consider: Consider that ethanol (UN 1170) and ethanol-blended fuels (UN 3475) are in use in growing quantities in the US. Today, there are more than 8 billion gallons of ethanol type fuel ethanol produced in the U S, and moves from bio-refineries to major population centers on both coasts. The fuel is transported in tanker trucks on congested highways, and railroads passing through cities. Consider that the addition of ethanol to gasoline presents some unique firefighting challenges. Traditional methods of fire fighting against hydrocarbon (gasoline) fires have been found to be ineffective against these polar solvent-type (ethanol-blended) fuels. While gasoline will tend to float on top of water, ethanol fuels are water-soluble and will tend to blend with the water. For this reason, the use of Alcohol-Resistant (AR) foam as a means of extinguishing an ethanol fire is recommended. For general operating procedures refer to the Emergency Response Guidebook, guide # 127.

Chemical Mixture Sickens Workers Recently firefighters were called after fumes from a hazardous cleaning solution mixture sickened eight Midwest Fresh Farms Express Company salad-packaging plant workers in Franklin Park, Ill.

Points to consider: Consider that chemicals are frequently used in our daily life and at work. Quite a number of these chemicals are dangerous substances, and some are hazardous when heated or mixed with other chemicals. The mixing two or more substances can result to one of several types of reactions, all of which have one common feature and that is the production of new substances or new mixtures.


Ethanol Spill A semi-truck driver hauling 8000-gallons of ethanol was going too fast to safely negotiate a “cloverleaf” exit ramp on Interstate 76 near Brush, Colorado recently rolling his truck and spilling the hazardous fuel. Points to consider:

Consider that ethanol (UN 1170) and ethanol-blended fuels (UN 3475) are in use in growing quantities in the United States. Today, there are more than 8 billion gallons of ethanol type fuel ethanol produced in the U S. Every day, tens of millions of gallons of this grain alcohol moves from bio-refineries to major population centers on both coasts. The fuel is transported in tanker trucks on congested highways, and railroads passing through cities. Consider that the addition of ethanol to gasoline presents some unique firefighting challenges. Traditional methods of fire fighting against hydrocarbon (gasoline) fires have been found to be ineffective against these polar solvent-type (ethanol-blended) fuels. While gasoline will tend to float on top of water, ethanol fuels are water-soluble and will tend to blend with the water. For this reason, the use of Alcohol-Resistant (AR) foam as a means of extinguishing an ethanol fire is recommended. For general operating procedures refer to the Emergency Response Guidebook, guide # 127.

Spill Closes High School The Wickenburg High School Cafeteria was evacuated recently, when a student brought mercury to the school spilling the silvery metallic substance on the cafeteria floor. Points to consider: Mercury (UN 2809) is a heavy silvery-white metal that is liquid at room temperatures. It is commonly used in thermometers, manometers, barometers, and it is present in nearly every chemistry and physics lab. It may be absorbed through intact skin, consider stable under normal temperatures and pressures, but is reactive with oxidizing agents, and metals. For general operating procedures refer to the Emergency Response Guidebook, guide # 172.

Potentially Hazardous Mix I-20 in Newton County, Georgia was closed recently following a tractor-trailer accident carrying a mixed load including chlorine powder, and bleach. The big rig ran off the interstate and overturned spilling its potentially hazardous mixture. Points to consider: Fortunately the chlorine did not mix with the bleach or leaked oil, because of the potential for an explosion. Consider that although non-flammable, chlorine is a strong oxidizer and will support the burning of most combustible materials. Flammable gases and vapors can form explosive mixtures with chlorine. Chlorine can react violently when in contact with many materials and generate heat with possible flammable or explosive vapors. For general operating procedures refer to the Emergency Response Guidebook, guide # 124. Additionally bleach (UN 1791) is a clear to pale yellow corrosive liquid with strong bleach like odor. Stable under normal temperatures and pressures, It is incompatible with amines, ammonia, ammonium acetate, ammonium carbonate, ammonium nitrate, ammonium oxalate, ammonium phosphate, cellulose, and ethyleneimine, strong acids, reducing agents, amines, and ammonia salts. For general operating procedures refer to the Emergency Response Guidebook, guide # 154.

Hazmat Called After Truck Hits Pole A hazardous materials team was called to assist transferring fuel from the truck into storage tanks after a tanker truck delivering gasoline to a Shell station in Largo, Florida struck a pole, and began to leak.

Points to consider: Gasoline (UN 1203) is highly flammable colorless to yellow liquid which may be dyed to a range of colors. Vapors are heavier than air and will collect in low areas. Initial operations may include, removal of all ignition sources, and the application of foam to large areas of spilled liquid to control vapors. Remember to approach spills from uphill and upwind, and eliminate ignition sources. Do not permit the flammable liquid to run-off into storm drains, sewers, or drainage systems. For general operating procedures, refer to the Emergency Response Guidebook, guide #128.


Port Of LA Chemical Leak Hazardous material crews were called to the Port of Los Angeles recently to handle trichloroisocynanuric acid leaking from two cargo containers aboard the container ship APL-Tennessee that had arrived from China. Points to consider: Trichloroisocynanuric acid (UN 2468) is describes as white to faintly yellow crystalline needles with characteristic chlorine like odor. It is considered stable but hygroscopic, and may decompose in contact with moisture. Contact with combustible material may lead to fire. Incompatible with acids, reducing agents, water, strong oxidizing agents. Contact with acids generates toxic gas. For general operating procedures refer to the Emergency Response Guidebook, guide # 140.

Radioactive Spill The Arlington Fire Departments Hazmat team was called to the University of Texas after a spill of a small amount of radioactive material inside a laboratory at the University’s Life Science building. Points to consider: The department’s hazardous material team found only a trace amount of the material, which was then safely cleaned and disposed of. Consider that responses to radiological emergencies, our senses (e.g. smell or sight) may not be able to detect hazardous levels of the material. Therefore, the initial response is often carried out based on secondary indications of the hazards such as labels, signs or placards indicating the presence of a hazardous material, and readings from instruments.

Morning Accident Closes Highway A tractor-trailer driver traveling from Tampa to Miami misjudged the exit ramp off Interstate 75 onto US 27 recently causing his truck to overturn, spilling some of his cargo of bleach on the road, which mixed with oil from the truck. Points to consider: Bleach (UN 1791) is a clear to pale yellow corrosive liquid with strong bleach like odor. Stable under normal temperatures and pressures, It is incompatible with amines, ammonia, ammonium acetate, ammonium carbonate, ammonium nitrate, ammonium oxalate, ammonium phosphate, cellulose, and ethyleneimine, strong acids, reducing agents, amines, and ammonia salts. For general operating procedures refer to the Emergency Response Guidebook, guide # 154.

Hydrazine Spill The Davis County Sheriff's Office received a call requesting ambulances and paramedics at Utah’s Hill Air Force Base in response to a spill of hydrazine, reporting 20 to 25 people may have been exposed to the chemical. Points to consider: Although the responders were prepared for 20 to 25 victims, fortunately, there were no serious injuries and only one person was taken to the hospital to be checked out. Consider that hydrazine (UN 2029) is a colorless, fuming, oily liquid with an ammonia-like odor. It is incompatible with oxidizers, hydrogen peroxide, nitric acid, metallic oxides, acids, can ignite spontaneously on contact with oxidizers or porous materials such as earth, wood & cloth.] For general operating procedures refer to the Emergency Response Guidebook, guide # 132.

Formaldehyde Spill A Hazmat crew was called to Lewis County General Hospital in Lowville, NY recently after five gallons of formaldehyde spilled in a lab room.

Points to consider: Formaldehyde (UN 1198) is common to the chemical industry. It is well known as a preservative in medical laboratories, as an embalming fluid, and as a sterilizer. Its primary use is in the production of resins and as a chemical intermediate. Moderate fire hazard when exposed to heat or flame, vapors are heavier than air and may travel a considerable distance to a source of ignition and flash back. Vapor-air mixtures are explosive. Toxic vapors are generated during decomposition in fire (formic acid). For general operating procedures refer to the Emergency Response Guidebook, guide # 132.


A Guide to Terrorism

Terrorism can be divided into two categories: Domestic Terrorism Domestic terrorism involves groups that are based and operate entirely within the United States. These groups do not have any foreign entity or government direction, and their acts are directed at the government or its citizens. The best-known example of a domestic terrorist act is the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing. Domestic terrorism can further be broken down into sub-categories: • Right-wing terrorist groups • Left-wing terrorist groups • Special interest groups Each of these subcategories has its own set of motivations and tactics:

o Right-wing terrorist groups are generally interested in issues such as white supremacy, and opposition to gun control, government and taxation. Many of these groups engage in paramilitary and survivalist training.

o Left-wing terrorist groups generally profess a revolutionary doctrine and see themselves as

protectors of the American people against capitalism and imperialism. With the dissolution of communist government in the former Soviet Union, most left-wing groups have lost their ideology and their threat has been greatly diminished.

o Special interest groups are different from right or left wing groups in that they focus on single

issues rather than wide sweeping political change. Most of these groups involve “animal rights,” Environmental preservation and “right to life.”

International Terrorism International terrorism against the United States is foreign-based and is directed by countries or groups outside the United States.

terror in the heart of the city malfunctioning bomb empties · 2010-06-08 · this foiled attack...

Documents