Human caused hazards are intentional, criminal, malicious uses of force and violence to perpetrate disasters against people or property. They can be the result of terrorism, actions intended to intimidate or coerce a government or the civilian population to further political or social objectives, which can be either domestic or international, depending on the origin, base and objectives of the terrorist organization. They can also be acts of individuals perpetrated for personal reasons.
Hazards can result from the use of weapons of mass destruction, including biological, chemical, nuclear and radiological weapons; arson, incendiary, explosive and armed attacks; industrial sabotage and intentional hazardous materials releases; and cyber terrorism.
Due to the broad scope of the term terrorism, the historical information is limited. Though that attacks of September 11, 2001, occurred many miles away in New York City, Washington D.C. and Pennsylvania, the impacts of such events reach Wadena County.