London Terror Redux Heightens Preparedness Anxiety

Whether the current, ongoing London terror scare, two weeks to the day from the July 7 attacks, is actually more "scare" than an effectively violent attack, this can't help but raise public awareness another notch. (See foxnews.com for the latest.)

Of course, today's "series of events" in London's mass tranportation system is at this point far less impactful than the tragedies earlier in the month. Nonetheless, the very fact that this is happening as it is today calls to mind the fears and anxieties authorities have had about repeating attacks that chop away at the public's confidence over time. And of course, that consumer comfort level has a direct bearing on the global economy, the stated target of Islamic terrorists.

Only two days ago, news outlets reported that a survey of New York City residents indicates almost nine in ten stock emergency supplies in case of an attack. More than half have an emergency plan and 55% have a "go-bag" already prepared to take with them in the event of the need to evacuate. Two years ago, the city's Office of Emergency Management launched a "Be Prepared" campaign.

Still, 51% of those surveyed felt inadequately prepared for a disaster.

Anxiety in London is certainly at a peak as of now with the uncertainty of where and when the next attacks may take place. And it's a fair assumption that people in New York City and Washington D.C. are feeling a bit more anxiety today as well.

With the extreme unlikelihood of a sudden outbreak of global peace and a worldwide epidemic of brotherly love anytime soon, the best approach for people around the world to dealing with the stress of living in a world of terror is to indeed do what they can to prepare for all possibilities in their own situations ... at least to the best of their ability. To do so is a positive step toward taking some small level of personal control over their situation.

Realistically, the alternative is to give in to an encroaching paralysis of fear if attacks happen to increase in frequency and intensity.