Terrorism and Disaster Preparedness
Americans have learned some difficult lessons about terrorism and disaster preparedness in recent years. The attacks of September 11th, 2001 and the devastation brought by Hurricane Katrina in 2005 reminded us that tragedy, in any form, can strike without warning. The best way to stay safe in an emergency situation is to be prepared before it occurs.
Disasters in Arizona Summer rains can bring severe flooding, high winds, and power outages. Record rainfall during the summer of 2006 caused an estimated $9 million in damage, leading Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano to request federal disaster assistance Extreme heat, drought, lightning, and human carelessness often lead to wildfires in the summer. In 2002, the Rodeo-Chediski fire burned 462,000 acres and destroyed 426 structures; it was the largest wildfire in Arizona’s history and one of the worst in United States history.1
Terrorism Arizona may not be home to such obvious terrorist targets as the World Trade Center, but the U.S.-Mexico border is an important front in the war on terror. In November 2005, DHS announced the launch of the Secure Border Initiative (SBI), a multiyear, multibillion-dollar program aimed at securing U.S. borders and reducing illegal immigration. CBP’s SBI program office is responsible for managing the SBI program and for developing a comprehensive border protection system. This system has two main components: SBInet, which employs radars, sensors, and cameras to detect, identify, and classify the threat level associated with an illegal entry into the United States between the ports of entry, and SBI tactical infrastructure (TI), fencing, roads, and lighting intended to enhance U.S. Border Patrol agents’ ability to respond to the area of the illegal entry and bring the situation to a law enforcement resolution (i.e., arrest). The current focus of the SBI program is on the southwest border areas between ports of entry that CBP has designated as having the highest need for enhanced border security because of serious vulnerabilities.2 Preventing terrorists from entering the country is a major priority for the government, and Arizona shares 389 miles of border with Mexico.
Disasters affect people living in every region of the United States, and Arizona is not immune to such catastrophes. Whether natural or man-made, these hardships bring serious emotional and physical challenges. Citizens may be forced to evacuate their homes. Basic services (phones, water, gas, and electricity) may be temporarily cut off. Grocery stores might not be open or important supplies such as medications, diapers, food, and drinking water may not be immediately available. The resources on this page will help you to prepare yourself, your family, and your community to handle emergencies.
