Study focuses on surviving terrorist attacks.

• Author: Fein, Geoff S.
• Position: Security Beat - Individual Preparedness and Response to Chemical, Radiological, Nuclear and Biological Terrorists Attacks - Book Review

The Rand Corporation has published a 33-page guide to preparing and responding to a chemical or biological attack. The book titled, "Individual Preparedness and Response to Chemical, Radiological, Nuclear and Biological Terrorists Attacks," is the result of a year-long study to see what the public would face in those situations.

"It is the most authoritative study in this area," said Kenneth Shine, director of the Rand Center for Domestic and International Health Security.

"It's the first time anyone has built guidelines based on attacks," said Lynn Davis, a senior political scientist at Rand.

The strategy, said Davis, is determining what people would face in an NBC attack, and what rules and steps to follow. People's actions could make a difference in whether they survive, she said.

"Acting very quickly is critical," Davis said. "The dangers will arrive quickly; emergency response won't."

Each chapter examines a particular type of event and specific actions that an individual...