How to be ready in an age of low-tech terror: How New Yorkers should equip themselves, beyond ‘see something, say something’

This post was originally published on December 12, 2017 in The Hill. Monday’s explosion in the underground corridor at 42nd St., much like the horrific attack in downtown Manhattan in October, reminds us that New York City is always in the crosshairs of terrorists. And as we have seen, terrorist organizations are constantly evolving their tactics. In addition to homemade bombs, lone-wolf terrorists can exact severe physical and psychological trauma simply with cars, knives and other low-tech weapons that require minimal planning and training to use to deadly effect. And these low-tech attacks are proving incredibly difficult to stop. Unfortunately, the traditional preparedness advice as presented by go-to websites like those of FEMA and the Red Cross do little to help citizens prepare for low-tech terrorist events. There is no doubt that the NYPD, FDNY, the Office of Emergency Management and other city agencies remain at the cutting edge of counterterrorism, and every New Yorker should feel confident and proud of the work they do to protect the Big Apple. But