Nation's Terror Threat Level Raised To Orange; American Red Cross Urges Families, Schools, Businesses To Prepare

American Red Cross
Sunday, 21 December 2003

Public Should Follow Precautions for Level Orange

America's terror threat level has been raised to "High/Orange," and the American Red Cross is urging families and individuals across the nation to make appropriate preparations according to the Red Cross Recommendations for the Homeland Security Advisory System.

Each level of the Red Cross recommendations includes completing the identified actions at the lesser threat levels. Being alert to suspicious activity and reporting it to authorities, along with taking a Red Cross CPR/AED and first aid course, are recommended throughout the system. Specific to today's announcement, the following is a summary of recommended actions for "Orange" and lower levels:

Individuals

  • Review your Personal Disaster Plan.

  • Ensure your Disaster Supplies Kit is stocked and ready.

  • Develop alternate routes to and from work or school and practice them.

  • Exercise caution when traveling.

  • Have shelter-in-place materials on hand and review the procedure in Terrorism: Preparing for the Unexpected, a Red Cross brochure.

  • If a need is announced, donate blood at blood collection center (1-800-GIVE LIFE).

  • Prior to volunteering, contact blood collection agency to determine their needs.

Families

  • Review Family Disaster Plan with all family members.

  • Check items in your Disaster Supplies Kit and replace items that are outdated.

  • If not known to you, contact your child's school to determine their emergency notification and evacuation plans.

  • Ensure the emergency communication plan is understood and practiced by all family members.

  • Discuss children's fears concerning possible terrorist attacks.

Neighborhoods

  • Check on neighbors who are elderly or have special needs to ensure they are okay. Review their disaster plan with them.

  • If a need is announced, contact nearest blood collection agency and offer to organize a neighborhood blood drive.

Schools

  • Review the school's emergency plan that was developed using the Red Cross Emergency Guide for Business and Industry.

  • Ensure all emergency supplies are stocked and ready.

  • Offer Masters of Disaster "Facing Fear: Helping Young People Deal with Terrorism and Tragic Events" lessons in grades K-12.

  • Prepare to handle inquiries from anxious parents and media.

Businesses

  • Review the emergency plans, including continuity of operations and media materials on hand.

  • Ensure that the emergency communication plan is updated and includes the purchase of needed emergency equipment as detailed in the Red Cross Emergency Management Guide for Business and Industry.

  • Determine any need to restrict access to the business or provide private security firm support/reinforcement.

  • Contact vendors/suppliers to confirm their emergency response plan procedures.

  • If need is announced, contact nearest blood collection agency about organizing a blood drive.

For more information, or to contact American Red Cross, see their website at: www.redcross.org

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