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 Rate This Message: http://www.cryonet.org/cgi-bin/rate.cgi?msg=17663