Terror alert set to orange

Monday, December 22, 2003

No one knows where terrorists might hit again, so law enforcement officials are keeping an eye out for suspicious activities around any potential targets.

"We're advising people to be on the lookout for anything suspicious," Red Willow County Sheriff Gene Mahon said. Mahon, who is also emergency management coordinator for the county, said local authorities received the word this weekend that the national threat level was increased from yellow (elevated alert) to orange (high alert). Orange is the second highest level below red.

Gov. Mike Johanns and Lt. Gov. Dave Heineman, Nebraska's Director of Homeland Security, are asking all Nebraskans to raise their level of awareness and vigilance.

"We have no information pointing to any threat or evidence of impending terrorist activity against any person or place within Nebraska," Johanns said.

However, the concern among federal officials is clear and we must take it seriously, he said.

Any unusual activities taking place in your community should be reported to local law enforcement immediately. Alert citizens are a critical component of our defense against terrorism."

National Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge announced Sunday that the national threat indicators are greater now than at any point since Sept. 11, 2001.

He cited reports that terrorists are trying to find holes in U.S. aviation security.

In response to the increased alert, Lt. Gov. Dave Heineman coordinated communication with state and local law enforcement, state and local emergency managers and public health officials, mayors and county board chairs, as well as the controlling authorities of some of Nebraska's critical assets.

State officials called for four specific actions to be taken. The Nebraska State Patrol has increased surveillance and monitoring of critical assets.

The Nebraska Emergency Operations Center is in stand-by mode in case activation is necessary.

Nebraska's Health and Human Services System officials are communicating via the Health Alert Network with health professionals across the state urging increased awareness.

Nebraska airports have been encouraged to take precautions due to the national threat being associated specifically with aviation.

Lt. Gov. Dave Heineman said, "We take the increased threat warning seriously. There is no need to panic, but we want to be vigilant.

That's why we've asked airports to take the necessary precautions and we are asking all travelers who plan to fly over the holidays to be patient and prepared for potential increased security at airports."

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