ABSTRACT
Disasters and terrorist attacks have become an inevitable reality. The question is not if they will happen, but when and of what kind, natural or person-made, accidental or intentional. Most cities have well-developed protocols in place to respond to fires, floods, tornadoes, earthquakes, and other such incidents. However, the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 and the ongoing threat of future terrorist attacks beg for a better understanding of what it means to be prepared for a “disaster.” Disaster preparedness, as discussed in this article, pays special attention to acts of terrorism.
