By Ed Somers
March 31, 2003

The city of Boston has released a user-friendly citizens guide designed to help people both prevent and prepare for acts of terrorism. The plan was developed under the leadership of Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino and Police Commissioner Paul Evans. Saying that the police, fire, EMS and public health departments are working tirelessly to fight terrorism, Mayor Menino said in his introduction, "I now turn to you, the people of Boston, and ask you to join with public safety personnel to secure our city."

The plan is designed to help people:

• Identify and prevent a terrorist threat
• Learn what to do before, during and after an emergency
• Create an emergency plan for your family
• Prepare an emergency supply kit

The guide contains useful checklists, directions on establishing family meeting places, information regarding chemical, biological and radiological emergencies, and even thoughts on how to handle pets in the event of an emergency.

The guide can be accessed by going to www.cityofboston.gov/emergencyguide/.

Also, in an attempt to help Boston residents understand emergency preparedness, and educate them about possible incidents involving nuclear, biological or chemical agents, the Boston Public Health Commission has compiled basic information in the online guide available at the same web address. "This guide is made-up of information from many different sources; both government and non-government organizations. Its purpose is to get you to think about emergency preparedness before an emergency strikes, and provide more information on topics you might see, hear or read about in the news. It's not meant to be an exhaustive source of information, but rather a starting point."