There is usually little or no warning for a terrorist incident.  Due to Pepperdine’s many locations both domestically and overseas, awareness is important. 

NOTE:  An individual must use his/her own discretion during a terrorist incident as to how to respond.  However, best practices for a terrorist incident are listed below:  

At all times:

• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Note suspicious items, packages, or vehicles that seem out of place and report them to the appropriate authorities.
• Note suspicious activities or behaviors and report them to the appropriate authorities.
  • At the Malibu campus and at all other domestic University campuses, call 911. Then call the Department of Public Safety at (310) 506- 4441.

Potential targets recognized by the U.S. Government:

• Airports, seaports, and harbors
• Major cities or landmarks
• Large crowds
• Infrastructure such as power plants, transportation centers, or communication centers
• Business and industrial centers such as Wall Street or a World Trade Center

Types of terrorist attacks

• Explosive devices cause detonations which throw debris into the air and start fires.  Explosive devices can be left in place and detonated remotely or carried by a vehicle or even an individual.  Explosive devices are used in most terrorist attacks.
• Biological agents such as bacteria, viruses, and toxins typically make people sick.
• Chemical agents are toxic to people, plants, or animals, and are found in the form of solids, liquids, vapors, or aerosols.
• Radioactive attacks include nuclear explosions and “dirty bombs.”  A “dirty bomb” is designed to spread radioactive material over a region. 

Protective measures to implement following a terrorist incident:

• Distance yourself from the location of the incident and seek shelter as soon as possible. 
• Follow instructions from Public Safety or public agency personnel.
• If exposed to a chemical agent or if you have trouble breathing, use your clothing as a simple filter by covering your face and breathing through your clothing. 

• If exposed to a chemical, biological, or radioactive agent, change out of any contaminated clothing, shower, put on clean clothing, and seek medical attention as soon as possible.   
• Seek medical attention as soon as possible for any injuries, if you have trouble breathing, or believe you were exposed to a contaminating agent.