Courtesy of Real World Survivor

Prominently shown across the local news channels nearly every night are displays of violence, bombings, and mass destruction, occurring half a world away as you watch from the comfort of your living room. The reports show how terrorists plague places across the globe; those that most Americans probably never knew existed or couldn’t find on a map. “Out of sight, out of mind” is how most Americans viewed terrorism that happened abroad. But now, unfortunately, that has changed.

Since 2000, there have been nearly 70 terrorist incidents in the U.S., including the Sept. 11 attacks in 2001, the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing, the San Bernardino Christmas party shootings in 2015, and in 2016, the mass killings at an Orlando nightclub. There have been murders, threats and property damage at churches, temples, and mosques. Terrorism on American soil is a very real situation and one that needs to be taken seriously by all. But where does one start?

The key to surviving and preparing for terrorism is to understand the perpetrators’ motives. Then, with well-organized plans, greater awareness, and emergency protocols in place, you, along with millions of Americans, government officials and local law enforcement can be ready. Together we can reduce the opportunities for terrorists and save lives across our nation.

Terrorism Truths

Many people misunderstand the definition of terrorism. During the past decade, the word has been bounced around to describe any event, domestic or international, involving violent acts carried out by foreign people against large groups of people.

But domestic terrorism has a very specific meaning. The FBI defines it as:

• Acts dangerous to human life (and) violate federal or state laws.

• (An act that) appears to coerce or intimidate a civilian population or influence the policy of a government by intimidation or coercion, or affect the government by mass destruction, assassination or kidnapping.

• The act occurs primarily within the jurisdiction of the United States.

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