X-Message-Number: 17663
From: "Brett Bellmore" <>
References: <>
Subject: Re: CryoNet #17655
Date: Wed, 26 Sep 2001 20:42:57 -0400

From Brett Bellmore

Thomas, I concur with you that Alcor is unlikely to be a specific target of
terrorist  attacks any time soon. We're too small, too low profile.

However, as to not considering biological attacks until they happen, I can't
agree with that. There are, after all, certain minimal precautions one can
take, which are so cheap and easy that it's hardly sensible to fail to
undertake them.

Unfortunately, vacines against potential biological warfare agents are in
short supply, and their distribution is limited in any case. But the student
of medical history will be aware that santitation and hygine have done more
to halt epidemics than vaccinations have, and the lesson for biological
warfare is obvious.

In the event of a biological warfare attack, if you're directly targeted,
you're probably out of luck. However, you can rather simply protect yourself
against the spread of these agents by staying indoors for a few days,
avoiding contact with potentially contagious people. To this end, you should
maintain a stockpile of several weeks worth of food, water, and items such
as toilet paper or sanitary pads. Pre-moistened towelettes might be a good
idea, too, and some reading matter. A supply of plastic garbage bags, or
gallon zip locks, too; (Without water, toilets stop working, and sh*t
stinks!) All of this is, of course, a good idea in any case, and practically
manditory in areas of the country where harsh weather may strike, such as
coastal huricanes or heavy snowfalls.

More specific to biological warfare, you might want to consider installing a
HEPA filter on your home heating and cooling system. It would be rather
silly to stay indoors, only to have Anthrax spores wafting through your
house. Besides, it helps deal with particulate polution and allergies, too.

Basic, cheap precautions, which could just save your life.

Brett Bellmore

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