SECTION 4: RISK ASSESSMENT
4.5.14 Terrorism
Hazard Background There is no universal globally agreed-upon definition of terrorism. In a broad sense, terrorism is the use of violence and threats to intimidate or coerce, especially against civilians, in the pursuit of political aims. Terrorism is defined in the United States by the Code of Federal Regulations as “the unlawful use of force or violence against persons or property to intimidate or coerce a government, civilian population, or any segment thereof, in furtherance of political or social objectives.” For this analysis, this hazard encompasses the following sub-hazards: enemy attack, biological terrorism, chemical terrorism, conventional terrorism, cyber-attack, radiological terrorism, and public disorder. These hazards can occur anywhere and demonstrate unlawful force, violence, and/or threat against persons or property causing intentional harm for purposes of intimidation, coercion or ransom in violation of the criminal laws of the United States. These actions may cause massive destruction and/or extensive casualties. The threat of terrorism, both international and domestic, is ever present, and an attack can occur when least expected. Enemy attack is an incident that could cause massive destruction and extensive casualties throughout the world. Some areas could experience direct weapons’ effects: blast and heat; others could experience indirect weapons’ effect. International political and military activities of other nations are closely monitored by the federal government and the State of North Carolina would be notified of any escalating military threats. The use of biological agents against persons or property in violation of the criminal laws of the United States for purposes of intimidation, coercion or ransom can be described as biological terrorism. Liquid or solid contaminants can be dispersed using sprayers/aerosol generators or by point of line sources such as munitions, covert deposits and moving sprayers. Biological agents vary in the amount of time they pose a threat. They can be a threat for hours to years depending upon the agent and the conditions in which it exists. Chemical terrorism involves the use or threat of chemical agents against persons or property in violation of the criminal laws of the United States for purposes of intimidation, coercion or ransom. Effects of chemical contaminants are similar to biological agents. Use of conventional weapons and explosives against persons or property in violation of the criminal laws of the United States for purposes of intimidations, coercion, or ransom is conventional terrorism. Hazard effects are instantaneous; additional secondary devices may be used, lengthening the time duration of the hazard until the attack site is determined to be clear. The extent of damage is determined by the type and quantity of explosive. Effects are generally static other than cascading consequences and incremental structural failures. Conventional terrorism can also include tactical assault or sniping from remote locations. Electronic attack using one computer system against another in order to intimidate people or disrupt other systems is a cyber-attack. All governments, businesses and citizens that conduct business utilizing computers face these threats. Cyber-security and critical infrastructure protection are among the most important national security issues facing our country today. The North Carolina State Bureau of investigation’ Computer Crime Unit helps law enforcement across North Carolina solve sophisti cated crimes involving digital evidence. Radiological terrorism is the use of radiological materials against persons or property in violation of the criminal laws of the United States for purposes of intimidation, coercion or ransom. Radioactive contaminants can be dispersed using sprayers/aerosol generators, or by point of line sources such as
Wake County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan 2019
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