War

The Cold War began almost immediately following WW II and lasted through most of the rest of the twentieth century. The main enemies were the United States and the Soviet Union and the threat was out Ballistic Missile all nuclear annihilation. In 1989, this ended and this is no longer considered as a threat.

Unfortunately, after 9/11, America is facing a new enemy. It is no longer a country that has a vast army capable of invading another nation. This foe is now fighting guerilla warfare by conducting terrorist attacks both here and abroad.

When the first plane crashed into the world trade center, everyone first thought it was an accident. As the second plane hit, everyone knew it was something worse.

There has not been a major conflict in over fifty years but it does not mean that people are safe. There are elements in the world that want to do harm and people have to be prepared for it. (Sin, 2010)

How did the citizens prepare before

The US government supplied the yellow painted metal sirens built at street corners and emplaced anti-aircraft missile batteries into underground silos around the neighborhoods (no one knew they were there, until construction crews un-covered them when the cold war ended in 1990); school children were mandated to conduct

"Duck and Cover" drills in the classroom..."at the sight of a blinding light cover your heads, ball up into the fetal position and hide under your desk."

"When walking home from school, if you see a ball of fire/blinding light seek cover immediately."

Home owners under there own decisions and money built BOMB SHELTERS in their back yards.

How to prepare now

Many people may perish but following some tips for warfare emergency preparation may ensure the person's survival.

1. People go to the supermarket each week to replenish the food that was consumed. It wouldn't hurt to buy a few extra canned goods every so often because it will not spoil until it is opened.

2. Aside from emergency food supply, having an amply supply of drinkable water will prevent dehydration. Plastic jugs can be purchased from the supermarket but if it is unsafe to go out, the people will have to get this from the faucet. It will be a good idea to add a purification tablet and boil this first to make sure it is safe to drink.

3. Having a first aid kit is always useful to treat wounds. The individual should check that it is complete at all times because no one can tell when this will be needed.

4. If people have to evacuate, it will be a good idea to bring food, water, a few extra clothes, flashlight, compass, matches, candy and an identification card. Everything should be packed in a backpack so everyone can move quickly to the nearest evacuation center.

5. The last tip for warfare emergency preparation is to be familiar with the disaster plans that have been made the federal government and city. Some states already have contingency plans in place. This has been announced in the Internet and on television and if this should happen, people should stay calm and slowly evacuate. Israeli Army Gas Mask

6. Consider purchasing gas masks for you and your family. Gas mask purchases are a personal decision each family must make. Educate yourself about gas masks to avoid a mistake that could cost you your life. Consider the following information before purchasing and purchase only from a recognized dealer or manufacturer.

Consequences

Loss of Life – Death of civilians from diseases, famine, etc., as well as deaths of soldiers in battle and possible massacres and genocide.

Mental Stress - Five years ago, the term “Posttraumatic Stress Disorder” (PTSD) was perhaps familiar only to mental health experts and researchers. Today, however, it has entered our nation’s lexicon as more and more soldiers return home from Iraq and Afghanistan with mental distress. The National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder describes PTSD as an anxiety disorder that may occur following a traumatic experience, causing a victim to feel “scared, confused, or angry.” PTSD, first diagnosed by scientists in the 1970s, can be initiated by a variety of experiences besides military combat. These include experiencing physical or sexual abuse and life-threatening accidents or disasters.

Infrastructure - The degradation of infrastructure and basic services brought on by this can wreak havoc on the local environment and public health. Countries’ water supply systems, for example, can be contaminated or shut down by bomb blasts or bullet damage to pipes. In Afghanistan, destruction to water infrastructure combined with weakened public service during the war resulted in bacterial contamination, water loss through leaks and illegal use. The consequence was an overall decline in safe drinking water throughout the country.

Forests/Biodiversity - Military machinery and explosives have caused unprecedented levels of deforestation and habitat destruction. This has resulted in a serious disruption of ecosystem services, including erosion control, water quality, and food production. A telling example is the destruction of 35% of Cambodia’s intact forests due to two decades of civil conflict. In Vietnam, bombs alone destroyed over 2 million acres of land.[13] These environmental catastrophes are aggravated by the fact that ecological protection and restoration become a low priority during and after this.

Nuclear - The mishandling of the radioactive material has profound effects on the environment and on the people and animals that depend on it.

Chemical and Biological Warfare - One of the most striking examples of military disregard for environmental and human health is the use of chemical and biological agents in warfare. The American military’s use of Agent Orange during the Vietnam one is one of the most widely known examples of using environmental destruction as a military tactic.

The growing realization that national security and ecological conservation are inextricably linked has made environmental security an issue worthy of consideration and protection. "The lesson of the Kosovo conflict and the Gulf War before is that environmental consequences of this are now a legitimate topic," said Senior Attorney Jay Austin of the Environmental Law Institute. “It is one that is being criticized by journalists and NGOs as the consequences of those decisions unfold."

Resources

Austin, J. (2003). Environmental Consequences of War: the Kosovo Conflict. ELI Associates Seminar: November 11, 1999 . Environmental Law Institute. June 2003.

Rio Declaration on Environment and Development. June 1992. June 2003. http://www.igc.apc.org/habitat/agenda21/rio-dec.html

Sin. J, (2010) http://www.articlesbase.com/home-and-family-articles/a-couple-of-tips-to-prepare-for-war--797219.html#ixzz0r2dY2fPO
Schwartz, B. (2008).

The Human Consequences of War. CDI Straus Military Reform Project.
http://www.cdi.org/friendlyversion/printversion.cfm?documentID=4319