"One who is slack in his work is brother to one who destroys.”         ---Proverbs 18:9,

The issue to remember is that the goal of terrorism is to create fear.  If we, as individuals, are paralyzed with fear then the terrorists have won.  This is an old concept, if you can scare the general public into giving up their individual freedoms for a sense of security; then the republic will fall.  As Franklin Delano Roosevelt reminded the American public during World War II:  "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself."

When it comes to the more traditional terrorist acts of using explosives to kill civilians, if you are not in the attacked area, then you have nothing to fear.  In recent years, terrorists have added poisons, radioactive materials, and even A.I.D.S. to the mix to make the attack more lethal and to instill even more fear in the civilian population. 

If you are not in an urban area or close to a military base then, in my opinion, you have little to fear from this type of attack.  Cities and bases will be targeted to increase the level of damage. There are, however, some ways to protect your buns from these "mixed" attacks.

"Dirty" Bombs -  "Dirty" bombs are simply traditional explosives mixed with some radioactive isotope.  This is a weapon which is designed to induce fear in the population because, in all likelihood, the levels of radiation will be low and cause little damage, if any.  In the very rare event that a dirty bomb is set off near you:

1.  stay calm,
2.  stay out of the smoke plume,
3. don't touch any debris,
4. and clean up with soap and water as soon as you can.  (1)

To protect your buns, you should know that as long as they are not in the explosion or the radioactive plume, their exposure will be low.  To further reduce their exposure:

1. Don't keep your buns outside.
2. Reduce the chances that radioactive debris can get into your warren with weather-stripping and tape.  Tape plastic sheeting over windows.
3. Buy a rad detector (the type worn by x-ray techs) and leave it in your warren as a cheap radiation detector.
4. If you are really paranoid (and I mean that in the nicest way) you can increase the shielding around your warren by covering it with soil or sandbags.

Other Explosive Attacks - Preparation for these attacks, whether in the form of vehicle bombs, suicide bombs, or the standard "time-bomb," is similar to preparing for fire or tornadoes.  Make your warren as safe as possible.  Have a building inspector check the structure for any problems which impair the integrity of building.  Invite the fire inspector over as well.   (2)

If you are not at "ground zero" the dangers from such an attack are:

• shrapnel - Most of these explosives are packed with nails or other metal bits to increase damage.  To protect your warren, make sure the walls are sturdy and, if you are very concerned, fill the wall space with sand bags.
• fire - Most fire injuries are from the smoke.  Buns and birds are very susceptible to smoke injuries and can succumb in seconds.  Steps to protect them include sprinklers and a thermostat controlled exhaust fan.
• structural collapse - Any structural weaknesses in your home become potential avalanches following an explosion.  Shore up any weak beams or other support systems within your warren. 

Poisons - Poison attacks are, in all likelihood, going to occur only in confined spaces where large populations are not uncommon.  So, if your buns stay away from malls, subways, busses, and similar places you should have little to worry about.  In open spaces, even above ground in cities, the gasses are quickly dispersed. 

However, in the rare event that your warren is in the path of a chemical attack, you can prepare it by sealing up the cracks by which the chemical may enter.  Install a filtered ventilation or air conditioning system.  After an attack, be sure to carefully wash any surfaces which may have come into contact with the chemical.  This ensures that any residue from the chemicals won't harm your rabbits.

.Other Links:

U. S. State Department

Office of Homeland Security:  How Citizens Can Help

The American Civil Defense Association's Preparing for Terrorism in America

FEMA's:  Family Guide

Building a Safe Room, by the Israeli Defense Force

Help for Pets displaced by 9-11

"Staying Safe" Tips for Pets

Tips for the humans in an emergency

Operation Enduring Freedom's Guide for Preparedness