Bioterrorism means the "the deliberate or threatened use of bacteria, viruses or toxins to cause disease, death, disruption or fear." Since the attacks of 9-11-01 and the anthrax attacks that followed, the nation has increased its awareness and preparedness toward bioterrorism and other public emergencies. Planning and response teams have been formed throughout the nation in an effort to protect our citizens. But we need your help. You can take three simple steps to empower yourself and your family against bioterrorism and other public emergencies. Plan Make an emergency plan for your family and practice it. Know the emergency plan at your workplace, your church, your child's school or daycare, or other places where you spend time. Prepare Put together a Disaster Supplies Kit. Learn all you can about bioterrorism and the realistic threat of a biological attack. Live each day of life to the fullest! Participate We know that the first response to a disaster of any kind will be a local response. We need to be prepared to take care of ourselves and our community for at least 72 hours until outside help can arrive. Volunteer with agencies like the American Red Cross or the Salvation Army. Join groups like Neighborhood Watch and Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS). Get involved in preparedness efforts in your workplace, your neighborhood and your community. Learn CPR and First Aid.

PLAN Are You Ready? A Guide to Citizen Preparedness Homeland Security Advisory System American Red Cross Recommendations     Individuals     Families     Neighborhoods     Businesses     Schools Protecting Our Schools Responding to Bioterriorism National Homeland Security Knowledgebase PREPARE Packing a Disaster Supplies Kit Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Agents of Bioterrorism Missouri Department of Heath & Senior Services Bioterrorism Information US Postal Service - Making Mail Safe for the Public US Postal Service - How to Handle Suspicious Mail Terrorism Research Center Protect Yourself Against Terrorism National Transportation Safety Board PARTICIPATE American Red Cross Salvation Army Citizen Corps     Community Emergency Response Team     Medical Reserve Corps     Volunteers in Police Service     Neighborhood Watch Program USA Freedom Corps Missouri 1 Disaster Medical Assistance Team (MO-1 DMAT) Department of the Treasury - Gifts to the United States American Liberty Partnerships

In the News Creating a Symphony 9/7/07 Join the symphony by spreading the word that individual preparedness is critical. Studies show a person needs to hear a message seven times to change a behavior. You can be one of those voices. More FEMA Course for PIOs 9/7/07 The federal government offers videos in English and Spanish, checklists and tools to help families prepare for emergencies during National Preparedness Month in September. More Standardized Messaging 9/7/07 Additional monies from the Department of Health and Senior Services will help states prepare for pandemic influenza. The funds will be used to stockpile critical medical supplies and equipment, refine plans, develop alternate care sites and conduct exercises. More

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