Nation’s Terror Threat Level At Yellow/Elevated; Continued Diligence, Preparation Encouraged

Public Should Follow Precautions for Level Yellow at www.redcross.org

WASHINGTON, Friday, January 09, 2004 — The terror threat level is back to "Elevated/Yellow," indicating a significant risk of terrorist attack, and the American Red Cross is urging families and individuals across the nation to continue to be diligent and make appropriate preparations according to the Red Cross Recommendations for the Homeland Security Advisory System, available at www.redcross.org. Some sectors and locations of country remain on higher alert.

Each level of 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. The following is a summary of recommended actions for "Yellow" and lower levels:

• Individuals
  • Review your Personal Disaster Plan.
  • Ensure your Disaster Supplies Kit is stocked and ready.
  • Check telephone numbers/e-mail addresses in your personal communication plan, update as needed.
  • Develop alternate routes to/from work/school and practice them.
  • Provide volunteer services and take advantage of additional volunteer training opportunities.
• Families
  • Review your Family Disaster Plan with all family members.
  • Check items in your Disaster Supplies Kit and replace items that are outdated. Be sure to include necessary items for family members with special needs, like young children or seniors.
  • If not known to you, contact your child's school to determine their emergency notification and evacuation plans.
  • Develop alternate routes to/from work/school and practice them.
  • 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
  • Ensure all emergency supplies are stocked and ready.
  • Prepare to handle inquiries from anxious parents and media.
  • Obtain copies of Terrorism: Preparing for the Unexpected brochure from your local Red Cross chapter and send it home with students in grades K-12, staff and faculty.
  • Conduct safety training/emergency drills following the school's written emergency plan for all grades.
  • Continue offering lessons from 'Masters of Disaster" curriculum for grades K-8 regarding emergency preparedness for natural disasters.
• 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.
  • Contact vendors/suppliers to confirm their emergency response plan procedures.
  • Ask the local Red Cross chapter to provide a Terrorism: Preparing for the Unexpected presentation at your workplace for employees

Governed by volunteers and supported by community donations, the American Red Cross is a nationwide network of over 900 chapters and Blood Services regions dedicated to saving lives and helping people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. Led by 1.2 million volunteers and 30,000 employees, the Red Cross annually mobilizes relief to families affected by more than 67,000 disasters, trains almost 12 million people in lifesaving skills and exchanges more than a million emergency messages for U.S. military service personnel and their families. The Red Cross is the largest supplier of blood and blood products to more than 3,000 hospitals across the nation and provides relief and assistance to those suffering from conflict, disasters and other international crises worldwide.