Survey: U.S. Unprepared for ‘Dirty Bomb’ Attack

The Radiological Threat Awareness Coalition (R-TAC) today released a national survey on homeland security preparedness, showing that at least 81 percent of those polled said the threat of a “dirty bomb” is serious, yet less than one-third (32 percent) feel prepared for a terrorist attack.

The national survey of public sentiment finds a majority of likely voters would not know what to do in the event of a “dirty bomb” attack and have not taken steps to make themselves more prepared.

“Seven years after 9/11 proved that America was vulnerable, the American people know the danger of a dirty bomb, but they don’t know what to do about it,” said R-TAC chairman James P. Pinkerton. “The sense of urgency that sparked R-TAC will help deploy much-needed support to federal, state, and local responders to address the threat of a dirty bomb. This is the best way to honor their efforts and protect America.”

AMONG THE FINDINGS:

• 81 percent said they consider the threat posed to the United States by the possibility of a “dirty bomb” attack by terrorists to be serious.

• A majority (56 percent) said they were not confident they would know what to do in the event of a “dirty bomb” attack.

• 63 percent said they do not feel prepared in the event of a terrorist attack on their community.

• Only 34  percent of voters agreed the government was doing a good job informing people about preparedness for a terrorist attack.

The nationwide survey of 502 likely voters was conducted Aug. 25-28, 2008.  To view the poll in its entirety, please visit http://www.r-tac.org.

-- Bob McCarty Writes