BBSNews - 2003-02-07 -- President George W. Bush today raised the threat level from terrorism to Orange, a high level of risk from terrorist attacks. Tom Ridge, Secretary of Homeland Security, John Ashcroft, US Attorney General and Robert Mueller, Director of the FBI made the announcement in a news conference. John Ashcroft said "After conferring this morning with the Homeland Security Council, the decision has been made to increase the threat condition designation currently classified at elevated risk, to increase that threat condition designation to the high-risk category."

Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge said, "As a result of the increase in the threat level, as a result of going from yellow to orange, elevated to high, specific protective measures will be taken by all federal agencies, both to reduce vulnerabilities and many of them actually will, we believe, serve as a deterrent."

"Increased security personnel at points of entry may, in fact, limit points of entry and exit, enhanced identification checks, restrictions to travel around federal facilities and airports among the many augmented security measures that will be implemented."

FBI Director Robert Mueller said, "And today, as well as every day since September 11, the FBI has stood ready to protect Americans against those who seek to do us harm. And today, as every day since September 11, the FBI is fully mobilized to respond through our Joint Terrorism Task Forces, which are comprised of federal agencies, as well as state and local law enforcement."

From government documents: High Condition (Orange). A High Condition is declared when there is a high risk of terrorist attacks. In addition to the Protective Measures taken in the previous Threat Conditions, Federal departments and agencies should consider the following general measures in addition to the agency-specific Protective Measures that they will develop and implement:

• Coordinating necessary security efforts with Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies or any National Guard or other appropriate armed forces organizations;
• Taking additional precautions at public events and possibly considering alternative venues or even cancellation;
• Preparing to execute contingency procedures, such as moving to an alternate site or dispersing their workforce; and
• Restricting threatened facility access to essential personnel only.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has a set of guidelines to keep in mind contained in their series: Are You Ready? A Guide to Citizen Preparedness, excerpted from the National Security/terrorism section:

Preparing for terrorism

1. Wherever you are, be aware of your surroundings. The very nature of terrorism suggests there may be little or no warning.

2. Take precautions when traveling. Be aware of conspicuous or unusual behavior. Do not accept packages from strangers. Do not leave luggage unattended. Unusual behavior, suspicious packages and strange devices should be promptly reported to the police or security personnel.

3. Do not be afraid to move or leave if you feel uncomfortable or if something does not seem right.

4. Learn where emergency exits are located in buildings you frequent. Notice where exits are when you enter unfamiliar buildings. Plan how to get out of a building, subway or congested public area or traffic. Note where staircases are located. Notice heavy or breakable objects that could move, fall or break in an explosion.

5. Assemble a disaster supply kit at home and learn first aid. Separate the supplies you would take if you had to evacuate quickly, and put them in a backpack or container, ready to go.

6. Be familiar with different types of fire extinguishers and how to locate them. Know the location and availability of hard hats in buildings in which you spend a lot of time.

The security level had been at elevated or yellow, since September 24th, 2002, having been raised then in concerns surrounding 9/11 memorials. More information is available from the Department of Homeland Security Website at http://www.whitehouse.gov/homeland/.

Michael Hess is the Editor of BBSNews in Charlotte, NC. Write to the editor here. Not all submissions are published. Or visit the completely new BBSNews Blog and Forum on our front page - Please Participate in BBSNews!