Community Shielding

When a terrorist attack or other disaster occurs, individual and community responses will be the most important predictors of survival. How can we ‘contain contagion’ after an attack with a dirty bomb or a biologic agent? Although highways leading from an attacked metropolitan area are most certainly seductive, they may be roads to nowhere, leaving citizens trapped and vulnerable. In most cases, remaining in our homes or other safe havens in the community will provide the greatest personal security. This is true in terms of physical and emotional safety, since people make their best decisions when they are in stable, familiar environments, and make their worst decisions when in unstable, unfamiliar environments. Just as individual cells in the body are nourished within organs, so too must places of refuge be supported through Community Shielding, a wider form of shelter-in-place. When communities are deployed to provide necessary strategic support for shelter-in-place, there is less chance for first responders to be overwhelmed by unnecessary and dangerous evacuation attempts.

Community Shielding in an Urban Military Environment
Saathoff GB, Holstege CP, et al.; 2006-7.Director, Homeland Security Policy Instistute

Bioterrorism and Pandemic Influenza
Testimony of Frank J. CilluffoDirector, Homeland Security Policy Instistute

Community Shielding Report
A Survey of Citizen Response to Potential Critical Incidents

Community Shielding Policy Analysis
Vicki J. Hunt

House Joint Resolution on CIAG
February 18, 2003

Mass Evacuation and Our Nation’s Highways
Carolina PlanningWinter 2005