County agencies notified of terrorism high risk alert
Marion County Emergency Management Director Michelle Abbott-Becker said she really wasn't ready to begin building a "safe room" in her home.
"But if I needed to, I'd like to know how," she said.
All Marion County law enforcement organizations, first responders and EMS units, and fire departments were notified that the nation had been placed under a high risk of terrorist attacks as of 11:59 a.m. on Feb. 7, according to a news release from the Marion County Emergency Management.
The "high" classification is a serious alert, meaning a credible threat of attack exists but a specific target is not identified, according to the Homeland Security Advisory System.
Although no portion of Marion County has any structures or facilities which have been identified as being at risk, Abbott-Becker said local residents should be more alert to their surroundings.
"I think we need to take this (alert) as serious as our nation has taken it," Abbott-Becker said. "If there were to be a terrorist attack it would have long-reaching arms and affect a number of people.
"And we're really not so far away from either Wichita with McConnell Air Force Base, or Fort Riley," she added.
For local law enforcement and other responding agencies, the high risk alert is similar to being prepared for a weather watch, the emergency management director said. Citizens should treat the alert in the same way.
"Pay attention to what's going on and have things in place, be aware of your family disaster plan, and know what you're going to do," she said.
Abbott-Becker said Marion County continues to follow the "state's lead," and will remain in a watch status, a phase when conditions indicate an event/disaster may occur. Notification is then made to agencies and support agencies who would need to take action as a part of their everyday responsibilities.
If a situation should occur, Abbott-Becker said emergency management would notify all county law enforcement, fire, and EMS agencies who would then notify citizens. Information also would be broadcast across local cable TV, and access channels.
"Each city has its own disaster plan," she said.
According to information released Monday, Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge said Sunday he thought the current terrorism threat level likely would be lowered from the high-risk or orange level, but did not indicate when that would occur.
However, since terrorist attacks and threat levels are a new "wrinkle" in the fabric of life here in the United States, Abbott-Becker provided the following suggestions on what to do.
— Maintain close contact with family and neighbors to ensure their safety and emotional welfare.
— Follow travel warnings in place.
— Stay alert and aware.
— Maintain emergency preparedness.
What to expect:
— Conditions are likely to change with little or no notice.
— National and local news media will have increased coverage of any evolving situations.
— Access to public buildings and government facilities will be restricted.
— Public gatherings may be postponed.
— Continue to monitor world and local events via the Emergency Alert System (EAS) stations and National Weather Radio.
— Stop the spread of rumors by not sharing unsubstantiated information.
— Be alert to suspicious activity and report it to proper authorities immediately.
— Report price gouging to the Kansas Consumer Protection Division at 1-800-432-2310.
— Fill your gas tank regularly.
Families should:
— Review your emergency plans and discuss them in detail.
— Re-evaluate meeting locations based on threat.
How to prepare:
— Be prepared to evacuate or take shelter.
— Do not store gasoline and other flammable liquids in your home. The fire hazard is a threat to you and your family.
— Replace outdated items in your family disaster supply kit.
— Update immunizations.
— Review and update phone numbers and e-mail addresses in your emergency notification plan.
Communities:
— If a need is announced, donate blood at designated blood collection centers.
— Continue to provide volunteer services in your community, but contact the agency to determine their needs before volunteering.
— Seek training opportunities to continue building your first aid knowledge.
