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The events of September 11, 2001, and the possibility of threats to the safety and security of Alachua County residents, public and private property and local institutions have raised concerns. Preparing for possible terrorist attacks is not just a job for local government. Everyone should begin steps to prepare themselves and their families for any emergency. The Division of Emergency Management recommends everyone take the following three steps: 1) prepare a family emergency plan, 2) assemble a disaster supply kit and 3) be informed about the different types of terrorist threats. |
Current Threat Level
General threat level remains at Elevated. |
Homeland Security Advisory System
The White House issued Homeland Security Directive-3 in March 2002. The directive established the Homeland Security Advisory System which consists of five color-coded threat conditions for possible terrorist attack. Each level corresponds to preparedness activities. More information on actions your family can take for each level is provided by the American Red Cross:
American Red Cross
US Department of Homeland Security
1) Get A Plan
You should plan in advance what you will do in an emergency. Terrorists could strike quickly and without warning. Help in preparing a family emergency plan is available from the following sources:
2) Get a Disaster Supply Kit
Following a terrorist incident, routine services and utilities could be interrupted. It is import for each individual and family to have a disaster supply kit prepared, before an emergency occurs. Each kit should contain enough supplies for 72-96 hours. A disaster supply kit includes the following six basic items: water, food, first aid supplies, clothing and bedding, tools and emergency supplies, and special needs items. Help in preparing a disaster supply kit is avaliable from the following sources:
3) Be Informed
Threats posed by terrorist can come in many forms. Actions taken to respond during an emergency can depend on the hazards of each threat. Learn more about the different types of terrorist threats and what to do if one were to occur:
- US Department of Homeland Security
- US Department of Homeland Security
- Preparing Makes Sense, Get Ready Now (
PDF)
- Florida Initiative Against Homeland Terrorism
4) Be Involved
One way to be prepared and to fight terrorism is to volunteer in your local community. Several opportunities are available which will help both you and your family learn about emergencies and prepare our neighborhoods. Two programs which assist local responders and provide members with disaster skills are the Community Emergency Response Team (C.E.R.T.) and the Alachua County Fire Rescue Reserves. Additional information about other opportunities is available from the following organizations:
Agency Links