If you feel that there could be or has been a Terrorism incident on the Grinnell College campus please contact the Campus Safety & Security/Parking Services Department at 269-4600.

What is Terrorism?
Terrorism is the use of force or violence against persons or property in violation of the criminal laws of the United States for purposes of intimidation, coercion or ransom. Terrorists often use threats to create fear among the public, to try to convince citizens that their government is powerless to prevent terrorism, and to get immediate publicity for their causes.

• Terrorists often choose targets that offer little danger to themselves-areas with relatively easy public access
• Terrorists look for visible targets-airports, large cities, major events, resorts, and other high profile landmarks where they can avoid detection before and after an attack.
• Terrorists often use bombs as their weapon of choice.
• Terrorists aim to achieve large numbers of victims, high media attention, or mass panic and public anxiety.
• Terrorists select targets best suited for the type of material being used.

What you can do to be prepared for a Terrorism Incident

Terrorist attacks aren't like other disasters, such as floods and blizzards, where we have some warning of things to come. But there are things you can do to prepare. Following these steps can help to alleviate the fear of the unknown. Create an Emergency Communications Plan Choose an out-of-town relative or friend your family members can contact to check on each other in the event of a disaster. This contact should live far enough away that they wouldn't likely be affected by the same event. Make sure every member of your household has that contact's telephone numbers and e-mail addresses and keep them in places that are readily accessible, such as in your purse or wallet, at your work place, or your children's schools. Make sure your designated contact knows they have been chosen to assist your family in this role. If telephones or e-mail aren't working, be patient and keep trying.

Evacuation Plan

Each location on campus has a Campus Alert Monitor that you can contact concerning evacuation from a campus building. A copy of the Alert Monitor list is found in this section. If your building is not on the monitor list and you live in a residence hall please contact your Residence Life Coordinator for details. For further information on building evacuations please contact Campus Safety and Security Crime Prevention Office at 269-4600.

Disaster Kit

If you choose to have your own disaster kit it should consist of essential supplies you will need to survive for three to seven days without power. This is the same type of kit that can be used to survive the aftermath of a blizzard, flood, or other disaster. The kit should contain non-perishable food, water (at least one gallon per person per day), a first aid kit with prescription medicines, a battery-powered radio and NOAA Weather Radio, flashlights with extra batteries, special items for babies or elderly family members, pet care items, blankets, pillows, and toiletries. It is also a good idea to include some cash and copies of important family documents such as birth certificates, insurance policies, and passports in your kit.

If you feel it necessary to have a kit of this type while your on campus please contact the campus Security Office at 4600 for further information. In the event of an on campus emergency, campus resources will be brought about to help provide for members of the campus community.

Some of the information used to create a campus response to terrorism was taken from the Iowa Department of Emergency Management's "How to be Prepared" guide. For information on the state of Iowa Homeland Security please visit the following website: http://www.iowahomelandsecurity.org/