Explosives, Bombs, and Emergency Preparedness Planning

Abstract

Explosives, Bombs and Emergency Preparedness Planning: CBRN Awareness Course An Explosive is a reactive substance which contains a great amount of potential energy that can produce an explosion if released suddenly. Explosives are classified into low explosives, high explosives and tertiary explosives. Furthermore, explosives can be graded as military explosives (mines, Grenades, projectile munitions, TNT and C-4) and commercial explosives (Dynamite, Ammonium Nitrate, Slurries and Binary explosives). Explosive devices are known to be made of the following component parts; an igniter, non-electric fuses, blasting caps and a detonation cord. Most often than not, the emergent phenomenon of terrorism in the 21st century has come to be associated with bombings which require explosives that are inexpensive, easily acquired, difficult to discover and requiring a limited repertoire of skills to make. Most of the bombs used by terrorist are improvised explosive devices (IED) which at times are detonated using the vehicle of suicide bombers. While security agents may not be able to determine the exact time and place of a terrorist attack however, there are some indicators that could alert security personnel, as to when an attack is imminent, most especially an attack involving explosives. Some of such indicators include; a repetitive or extended presence at a location, photographing or videotaping, security breach and questions about a locations security. Upon sighting an explosive device, it is best to minimize danger by following some protective dangers like avoiding contact with the suspected device and calling for help from appropriate authority while at the same time evacuating the facility. In a post detonation scenario, it is prudent and security wise to stay alert, evacuate the blast zone and also be on the lookout for secondary devices. It has been observed that the best approach to forestalling the event of a terrorist attack is to follow a principle of emergency preparedness. Emergency preparedness is the preparation and planning of necessary measures to effectively handle an emergency. It involves individuals developing an emergency plan that identifies services they require, what resources they need to have on hand in the eventuality of an emergency. Also important are the major steps which fall under the purview of emergency preparedness such as a Hazard Vulnerability Assessment, needs analysis, taking inventory of resource capabilities, emergency operations plan, crisis management, consequence management and post incident analysis. It is recommended that the Nigerian Nuclear regulatory Authority (NNRA)be mindful of its security by intensifying the security of its staff and vicinity, acquire personal protective equipment for emergency response and be aware of CBRNE threats. Seminar presented by, CBRN