Terrorism and Natural Disasters:

Preparing for the Unexpected

Recommended Activities

All Americans, including those traveling in the transportation systems, should continue to be vigilant, take notice of their surroundings, and report suspicious items or activities to local authorities immediately.
Everybody should establish an emergency preparedness kit and a communications plan for themselves and their family and stay informed about what to do during an emergency.

Mass Transit Measures

• Long-term, sustainable security measures tailored to the unique design of each region's transit system are now in place throughout the mass transit sector.
• Many transit systems maintain a strengthened baseline level of preparedness.
• Individual transit systems should vary these security measures at any given time to make it more difficult to predict the security regime at any given location.

The United States Government will continue to monitor and analyze threat information closely and share that information, together with guidance for protective measures, with state, local, and private sector authorities as well as the general public as part of the sustained national effort to prevent terrorist attacks and protect our homeland.

Recommended Activities
All Americans, including those traveling in the transportation systems, should continue to be vigilant, take notice of their surroundings, and report suspicious items or activities to local authorities immediately.
Mass transit passengers should report unattended property or suspicious behavior to uniformed crew members and law enforcement personnel.
Everybody should establish an emergency preparedness kit and a communications plan for themselves and their family and stay informed about what to do during an emergency.

Learn More About Preparedness

All Americans can visit ready.gov. 

You can see the latest information at the links below. Please disseminate the following recommendations and information to fellow members of the campus community through any means available (related links to other web pages are noted at the bottom of this message). Take note that much or most of this information applies to areas off-campus and your travels beyond East Idaho rather than here at Idaho State University. Please note that this announcement was issued nationwide and is not unique to East Idaho or the campus of Idaho State University.

* Review Idaho State University's Emergency Response Plan for information on responding to emergencies on campus.
* Closely monitor news reports and Emergency Alert System (EAS) radio/TV stations
* Report suspicious activities, call 282-2515 for an immediate response on campus, 9-1-1 off-campus. Examples are persons taking photographs of critical facilities, asking detailed questions about physical security, or dressed inappropriately for weather    
   conditions (suicide bomber). Report these incidents immediately to law enforcement.
* Expect delays, searches of purses and bags, and restricted access to public buildings. Expect traffic delays and restrictions.
* Take personal security precautions to avoid becoming victims of a crime or terrorist attack.
*Avoid crowded public areas and gatherings. Do not travel into areas affected by the attack or an expected terrorist target.
*Keep emergency supplies accessible and the automobile fuel tank full. Be prepared to evacuate your home or shelter in place on the order of local authorities.
* Develop and review family emergency plans. Be prepared for disasters and family emergencies. Increase family emergency preparedness by purchasing supplies, food, and storing water.
* Assist neighbors who may need help.
* Avoid passing unsubstantiated information and rumors.
* Continue normal activities but be watchful for suspicious activities. Report criminal and suspicious activity to local law enforcement. Continue to enjoy individual freedom. Participate freely in travel, work, and recreational activities.
*Become active in your local Neighborhood Crime Watch program.
*Network with your family, neighbors, and community for mutual support during a disaster or terrorist attack.
*Learn what critical facilities are in your community and report suspicious activities at or near these sites.
*Contact local officials to learn about specific hazards in your community.
*Increase individual or family emergency preparedness through training, maintaining good physical fitness and health, and storing food, water, and emergency supplies.
*Be familiar with local, natural, and technological (manufactured) hazards are in your community and what measures you can take to protect your family.
*Keep recommended immunizations up-to-date.
*Know how to turn off your power, gas, and water service to your house.
*Know what hazardous materials are in your home and how to dispose of unneeded chemicals properly.
*Support the efforts of your local emergency responders (firefighters, law enforcement, and emergency medical service).
*Volunteer to assist and support the community emergency response agencies. Take a first aid or CERT class.

Related Links

Department Homeland Security
     DHS Center for Domestic Preparedness

FEMA
Red Cross
Idaho Office of Emergency Management
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention