CBNNews.com - WASHINGTON - Anthrax. Smallpox… these words were commonplace following 9/11 as potential weapons of terror against the United States.

Some experts believe a bioterrorist attack or pandemic outbreak could be inevitable. So how would the U.S. fight back against an infectious disease outbreak?

... Since 2002, the Bush administration has spent billions preparing for the effects of a bioterrorist attack or infectious disease outbreak. The government wants to stifle any potential outbreak before it even starts.

High-tech sensors have been installed in several American cities that can detect harmful airborne pathogens. Early detection may be able to save lives.

But at the end of the day, state and local governments may play the biggest role.

'People can't wait for the federal government to protect them,' Fischer said. 'If there is a biological attack, or if there is a pandemic, people will have to take reasonable steps to take care of themselves.

That means stocking up on water, canned goods and medical supplies, and being aware of the emergency plan for your community.