Taking Precautions in the Age of Terror

Emotions are running high as our nation comes to grips with the reality that we now live in an age of terrorism and uncertainty. A recent CNN/USA Today/Gallup poll confirms this point. More than eight in 10 Americans now believe it is likely or very likely that there will be further terrorist attacks in the United States. Further, almost half (49 percent) of Americans now believe that terrorism will affect their own lives. Of that 49 percent, 14 percent are feeling very worried that they or a family member will be a victim of a terrorist attack, while another 35 percent characterized themselves as somewhat worried.
 
What are Americans doing to protect themselves?
 
As a result of the attacks on Sept. 11 and subsequent reports of anthrax infections in Florida and New York and anthrax exposure in Washington, D.C., some Americans are taking more drastic approaches, such as buying gas masks and resurrecting fallout shelters. Others are taking more moderate actions to reduce their exposure to possible terrorism, or to prepare for it. Curtailing air travel leads the list of protective measures taken by most Americans. A recent Gallup survey shows that:
 

• 43 percent of Americans report that they are less willing to fly.
• 48 percent are less willing to travel overseas as a result of the terrorist attacks.
• 35 percent are less willing to enter skyscrapers and 30 percent are less willing to attend events with large crowds such as football games or amusement parks.
• Roughly 30 percent say they have already considered or might consider stocking up on extra food and water.
• About one-third report that they have been more careful to monitor people in their community who "might be acting suspicious or out of the ordinary."
• 22 percent of Americans say they have purchased or might purchase a gun.

 
Perhaps the most unsettling threat is biological attack. Several Americans have been deliberately infected with anthrax via the U.S. mail. In response, physicians from all around the country are being inundated with requests for antibiotics, specifically a relative newcomer called Cipro®, which has been shown to be effective against the anthrax bacterium. In response, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends testing for anyone who suspects that he may be infected, followed by appropriate treatment.
 
How should I respond?
 
Getting on with our lives, as President Bush has suggested we do, is becoming a bit harder for some than for others. The question most Americans are asking is: ìHow can I protect my family and myself and maintain some semblance of normalcy in our lives?î Here are some suggestions.
 

Stay informed

Watch or read the news from a reliable source each day so you can separate fact from fiction. Remember that there is a lot of misinformation out there, especially on the Internet. Avoid unreliable sources. You might also want to read Separating Fact from Fiction: Examining Rumors and Urban Legends.
 

Assess your situation

After you have the updated information from reliable sources, assess your relative risk. Look at areas in your work, lifestyle and weekly schedule that might increase your vulnerabilityófor example, if you have planned a business trip overseas or a family vacation to a theme park. Discuss any potential vulnerability with family or close friends. In times of heightened stress we often need the opinions of others to keep our emotions in check.
 

Respond accordingly

After you have received credible information and assessed your vulnerability you are ready to respond. If buying gas masks for your family or canceling a trip helps you sleep better at night, then that is a reasonable response for you.
 

Live one day at a time

Living one day at a time may sound cliché, but it definitely applies here. By doing so, we can make the most of each day and keep worry in its place.
 
Remember that in the long run faith and courage will carry the day, not fear. Mark Twain may have said it best: ìCourage is resistance to fear, mastery of fearónot absence of fear.î

By Drew Edwards, MS
© 2001 Achieve Solutions
 

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