By: Judy Shepps Battle
America is only partially ready for bio-terrorism, according to the review given recently on the CBS Evening News.
While the report applauded an increase in physician knowledge regarding chemical agents, it was critical of the negligible start to the smallpox vaccination program and the lack of strategic planning for attacks using bio-chemical weapons.
Unfortunately, the CBS report never touched on America’s people: How ready are any of us physically, emotionally, and spiritually for a life-threatening bio-terrorism attack?
I know my own level of readiness is uneven and that it is difficult for me to think about such a life threatening catastrophe. Yet I also know that it is the sharing of fear that frees us to create new solutions.
Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge has urged Americans to learn how to protect themselves and their families in the event of an attack. Critical elements of a family disaster plan include establishing emergency communications methods, predetermining a meeting place other than home, and finding potentially long-term shelter for the family and any pets.
Communication methods shouldn’t be difficult to arrange: Use cell phones, e-mail, or third-party contacts, such as a friend or relative in another area. Choosing a place where family members should meet also should be easy enough.
Finding safety for the family and pets may not be as simple.
Government sources indicate that pets will not be allowed in an emergency shelter if a bio-terrorist attack occurs and that pet owners should arrange to get their animals to a private shelter.
Unfortunately, I do not know of any local designated animal shelters in my area that are safe from germ or chemical agents.
More importantly, government literature suggests we find a safe place for family within the home an interior room without windows that’s above ground level or in a designated community shelter.
In my own home, the only interior rooms are two very small bathrooms hardly sufficient space for family members, pets and supplies. And existing township-based shelters are not an option. Set up for a limited number of people during "normal" disasters such as fires or hurricanes, these structures would be woefully inadequate in the event of a wide-scale bio-terrorism attack.
Personal injury or even death does not scare me, but I am not emotionally ready for the potential injury and loss of family and friends.
Maybe it is because I spent yesterday afternoon attending a bridal shower for Kelly, my newest daughter-to-be, and was filled with the love and happiness of that get-together.
Maybe it is because I spent the evening with my two grandchildren: Danny, an active, adorable 2-year-old who has begun to relish saying the word "no"; and Emily, a beautiful 7-month-old who can totally charm Gramma with her smile.
Maybe it is because I spent the day with my 23-year-old daughter who is just beginning her career and envisioning marriage and motherhood in her future.
Or maybe it is because my daughter’s best friend since their childhood has just been called to active military service.
Dr. Elizabeth Kubler-Ross, a noted psychologist, points to three stages that precede the acceptance of any situation: denial, bargaining, and anger. I am beyond the denial and bargaining phase, but I am still angry that I am powerless to stop the insanity of war.
This new threat of bio-terrorism recalls haunting childhood memories of a potential nuclear attack. I remember being told to hide under a table and not look out the window; being told there would be little warning of an attack, yet the consequences would be deadly. I remember being so afraid that I couldn’t concentrate on my studies or sleep at night.
I am not sure I have ever abandoned that hyper-vigilance. I still tend to look over my shoulder for the unexpected. Yet as I grow spiritually, I replace this fear with faith that every experience is a learning experience guided by a power greater than myself.
I know in my heart that the God-force that has led me safely through six decades will guide my experience with bio-terrorism. Whether this newest threat is as empty as the 1950s’ bomb or an unimaginable reality, my task is to be open to the spiritual lessons involved.
I feel spiritually ready yet physically and emotionally unprepared for this next stage in world history. In this spirit, I have shared my own strengths and struggles in dealing with these important issues. Please share your experience through this newspaper by writing to me at [email protected].
Judy Shepps Battle is a New Jersey resident, addictions specialist, consultant and freelance writer. She can be reached by e-mail at [email protected]. Additional information on this and other topics can be found at her Web site at www.writeaction.com.

