Also visit these web sites for more information:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  http://www.cdc.gov/

 

 

The Threat

The threat of international terrorism is now an, all too obvious, reality in our Country.   However, the threat of terrorist acts should not completely change our way of life.  We need to become better informed about the threat, the potential hazards to our health and how we can prepare ourselves for potential dangers.  Officials at every level of government are working together to ensure that citizens are well informed and prepared to cope with this new enemy.  The intent of this web site is to convey information and procedures you need to know to better protect yourself and your property from acts of terrorism.

 

Reporting Procedures

Public Safety and Public Health officials of Lee County have established procedures for responding to all forms of suspected acts of terrorism.   The most dangerous situations involve suspected use of Weapons of Mass Destruction.  These devices, letters or packages may contain biological, nuclear, incendiary, chemical or explosive agents and have the potential of causing extensive harm to people and property.   That is why everyone is asked to be more vigilant and report unusual or suspicious materials or acts.  

 

How do you report something that may be related to an act of terrorism?  Simply call 911 and provide the operator the details.  The 911 operator will make sure the proper authorities are notified so your report can be handled expeditiously.  However, you are asked not to over react.  Think through the situation and try to determine if what you have witnessed could truly be an act of terrorism or just a common occurrence that maybe you never paid attention to before.

 

     

Frequently Asked Questions about Domestic Security

 

What is Terrorism?

How likely is a biological or chemical weapon threat?

How can I conduct my own domestic security assessment?  

What should I do if I see suspicious activity?

 

What is Terrorism?

 

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) defines terrorism as "the unlawful use of force against persons or property to intimidate or coerce a government, the civilian population, or any segment thereof, in the furtherance of political or social objectives."

 

Terrorist acts are selected carefully for these purposes:

 

To produce a specific psychological effect such as fear, or to create a feeling of distrust towards the government or within the public regarding a government’s ability to protect the populace, or to coerce a decision or a specific action from government leaders.

 

To produce casualties.

 

To produce casualties among a selected group, or to create “mass casualties".

 

How likely is a chemical or biological threat?

 

Terrorist organizations have threatened that further attacks on US soil may be possible.  Experts say that there is a conceivable risk for this type of attacks however, they are not very likely.   The fact is that the expertise, time and facilities required to produce these agents in lethal quantities to cause mass casualties, here in the United States, is extremely complex.  

 

How can I conduct my own domestic security assessment?

 

Examples of locations that may become targets:

  

Public assembly areas

Public buildings  

Mass transit systems  

Places of high economic impact  

Telecommunication facilities  

Places with historical or symbolic significance  

 

It is not possible to avoid these places all together.  However, you should certainly have an increased sense of awareness of your surroundings regardless of where you are.  

 

What should I do if I see suspicious activity?

 

Being aware of your surroundings includes the workplace and your neighborhood.  If you see something that does not look right, or you have some suspicion about, no matter how small, report it.

 

 

 

 

Tips to help you become more secure and prepared.

 

In your work place

Suspicious Packages

Personal Identification

Technology/Internet Security

Traveling

Building Safety and Evacuation

 

 

In your work place:

 

If you have disabled co-workers, plan and practice how you will assist them to evacuate the building.

 

If you leave your work area tell somebody and let them know when you will return so someone knows if you are overdue.

 

Carry a small flashlight with you in your personal belongings.  Power outages that can occur at any time are enough of a reason to have a flashlight.  Being able to lead your coworkers out of a dark building is another.

 

Introduce yourself to people you don't recognize in your work area.  If they don't belong there chances are they will leave the area because they have been noticed.  Ask questions and offer to help them find their way.  

 

Be familiar with your surroundings whether you are there for the first time or the 100th time. Get to know the following:

 

Closest fire exit

Fire extinguisher

If available, your security office and their phone number

 

Suspicious packages:  

 

Be familiar enough with your area that you will recognize something out of place.

 

Check with your security department about how to report a suspicious package or use the following guidance.

 

DO NOT DISTURB THE PACKAGE. Report it to the proper authority and stay away from it.

 

Personal Identification:

 

Identity theft is one of the largest growing crimes in the USA and the world.  Take extra steps to protect yourself. 

 

Secure your corporate / business identification.  Wear it when you are on property, and take it off when you leave.  Wearing it in public places makes you a target for theft of the ID, which could breach your security.

 

If you lose your identification, report it immediately to your building security.

 

Be very guarded with your Social Security numbers, financial accounts, driver’s license or other official identifications.

 

Technology / Internet Security:

 

Never give your passwords to anyone.

 

The Internet is about as public a place as you’ll find and you do not know who is watching.

 

Never give personal information out over the web, especially credit cards unless the site has encoding security.

 

Be guarded with information you give out over chat rooms and e-mails.  Remember once you send an e-mail you never know who will see it

 

Safe Travel:

 

When traveling, don’t be too open about your travel plans except to those that need to know. Discuss the exact details of your arrangements with one person, and check in with that person when you arrive or if you have changes in plans.

 

If you are leaving a voice or email, indicate that you are "on travel" and the name and number for a person who is taking care of your affairs while you are gone.

 

When you travel, pack light, and do not carry bulky hand held luggage. Distribute the weight around and leave your hands free if possible.

 

Be OBSERVANT!! IF you see something that does not look right, report it to the proper authorities and have them handle it.

 

Make sure to contact your air carrier before leaving for the airport and allow enough time to clear security check points before boarding.

 

Secure your personal identification, passport, and credit cards. Identity theft is one of the largest growing crimes worldwide. It will cost you money and time to replace it.

 

Do not accept packages from strangers. Do not leave luggage unattended.

 

Be very guarded with whom you give your Social Security number, and other official identifications to.

 

Building Safety and Evacuation:

 

If you live or work in a multi-level building:

 

Identify the location of fire exists and review emergency evacuation procedures.

Locate and maintain fire extinguishers in working order.  Learn how use them and train others.

 

Assemble and maintain an emergency supply kit for each floor that includes:

 

First aid kit

Battery-operated radios

Flashlights with extra batteries

Hard hats

Fluorescent tape to rope off dangerous areas.

 

 

If there is an explosion:

 

If you do not feel safe, don't panic, but don't wait! Leave the building by the safest way possible.

 

NEVER take elevators if there is a threat of fire.

 

Leave the building through the fire escape, and do not carry any large items  with you.

 

NOTHING is worth your life or the lives of your co-workers!

 

Form a team and assist handicapped employees to evacuate.

 

Take cover under a desk or sturdy table if ceiling tiles, bookshelves, their contents, etc. begin to fall.

 

 

If there is a fire:

 

Stay low to the floor at all times and exit the building as quickly as possible.  Heavy smoke and poisonous gases collect near the ceiling first.

 

Use a wet cloth to cover your nose and mouth.

 

Use the back of your hand to feel the lower, middle and upper parts of closed doors.  If the door I not hot, brace yourself against the door and open it slowly.  Do not open the door if it is hot.  Seek another escape route.

 

 

 If you are trapped in debris:

 

If possible, use a flashing light to signal rescuers regarding your location.

 

Stay in your area so that you don’t kick up dust.  Cover your mouth with a handkerchief or clothing. Tap on a pipe or wall so rescuers can here where you are.

 

Use a whistle if one is available.  Shout only as a last resort—shouting can cause a person to inhale dangerous amounts of dust.  

 

Suspicious Mails/Packages

 

You or your organization may receive mail that is suspicious. Use the following guidelines to help you assess your potential threat:

 

 

Other Characteristics of Potential Concern: 

 

Air mail or special delivery

Distorted handwriting or "cut and paste" lettering

Cancellation or postmark and return address indicating different locations

Markings such as "Fragile - Handle with Care", "Rush - Do Not Delay" or "Deliver by    

   (Date/Time)" 

Unusual size or uneven shape (uneven, lopsided)

Unprofessional or sloppy wrapping

Excessive security material such as masking tape or string

Unfamiliar couriers delivering packages to specific individuals

Rigid or Soft Spots

 

How to handle suspicious mails and packages:

 

If you receive mail from organizations or persons that you do not know, or that does not have a return address on it, don't open it. Place it in a trash container.

 

Reduce the risk of receiving bulk mail or having your address by having your name removed from direct mail marketing lists. 

 

If you have already opened the package/letter and fear you have been exposed:

 

Call 911.

 

Place the package/letter inside a plastic bag and seal the bag. Try to keep the substance from spreading to others.

 

Leave the package/letter in the same room where it was opened, close access doors to the room and keep others out of that room. Do not take the letter to a fire station or police station. 

 

Place exposed clothing in a plastic bag seal the bag, and then take a shower. Appropriate officials will collect the substance and the clothing.

 

If you have not opened a suspicious package/letter but have discovered that a substance is spilling out of it or “bleeding through:”

 

Call 911.

 

Seal the package/letter inside a plastic bag and seal the bag. Try to keep the product from becoming airborne.

 

Leave the package/letter in the same room where it was opened, close access doors to the room and keep others out of that room.

 

Do not take any of this type of mail to fire or police stations.

 

Place exposed clothing in a plastic bag, seal the bag, and then shower. Appropriate officials will collect the substance and the clothing.

 

Do not go to a medical facility unless you feel ill or are advised by appropriate authorities to do so.

 

If you have not opened the package/letter and have not received any associated threat:

 

Place the package/letter inside a plastic bag and seal the bag.

 

Dispose of the bag in the garbage.

 

Call 911 only if you start having medical problems.