GREATER PROTECTIONS FOR CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE AND KEY ASSETS
Protecting Key Economic Centers and Ports
Vital Petro-chemical Facilities - The Coast Guard will provide maritime protection for petroleum centers located in close proximity to major coastal population centers.
Strengthening Nuclear Regulatory Safeguards
Facility Security - The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is requiring all licensed users of radioactive material to take additional security measures.
Protecting Key Infrastructure - The Federal government, state and local organizations and the private sector are increasing the security presence at chemical facilities, nuclear power sites, key electrical grids, bridges, subway systems, and other sites.
Cyber-Security
Monitoring and Vigilance - The Department of Homeland Security, together with other government agencies, continues to monitor the Internet for signs of a potential terrorist attack, cyber-terrorism, hacking, and state-sponsored information warfare. Industry and public Internet users are reminded of the importance of employing sound security practices and reporting unusual activity or intrusion attempts to DHS or local law enforcement.
INCREASED PUBLIC HEALTH PREPAREDNESS
Increasing Disease Surveillance and Food Security
Alerting and Informing the Food Industry - The Department of Agriculture is alerting producer organizations of the increased threat status and urging them to implement additional security measures such as inspecting all vehicles and escorting all visitors to their facilities.
Department of Health and Human Services Outreach - HHS is alerting state and local health departments, hospitals, and medical care providers to report any unusual diseases or disease patterns. HHS has put the U. S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corp Readiness Force of doctors, nurses, and other health care staff on alert status and alerted emergency support and management teams to possible deployment.
Imported Food Monitoring - HHS has taken aggressive steps to enhance the inspection of imported food and is coordinating federal, state, and local communications on imported food issues and potential food pathogens.
USDA Monitoring of Food Chain - The Department of Agriculture is taking steps to assure that employees and representatives throughout the food and agriculture community are alerted and aware of the need for extra precautions during this time. USDA is encouraging state and private authorities to monitor feedlots, stockyards, import and storage areas.
ONGOING MEASURES TO DISRUPT THREATS AGAINST OUR NATION
Monitoring Terrorist Suspects
Tracking Suspects - The FBI will continue to closely monitor individuals suspected of links to terrorism.
Identifying Terrorist Supporters - The FBI is working closely with the Departments of Justice and DHS to identify those that would facilitate terrorist activity through fundraising, logistical support and recruitment.
Foreign National Information - In order to advise members of the Iraqi community of the FBI's responsibilities in protecting them from hate crimes, and to elicit information that may be useful to the U.S. Government in the event of hostilities in Iraq, the FBI, working with the Department of State and immigration officials, has identified a number of Iraqi-born individuals in the U.S. that may be invited to participate in voluntary interviews.
FEDERAL RESPONSE RESOURCES POSITIONED AND READY
National Emergency Response Teams - DHS has pre-positioned National Emergency Response Teams (ERT-N) with one team designated for the National Capital Region. These teams are able to provide onsite management of federal response efforts.
Incident Teams - USDA Incident Management Teams (IRTs) from the U. S. Forest Service are ready to deploy to an emergency site to manage an incident with other DHS, federal, state, and local authorities.
DECON Teams Ready - EPA decontamination teams are on alert and ready to deploy.
In addition to the measures being taken in Operation LIBERTY SHIELD, members of the public are encouraged to become more informed about the emergency preparedness measures they can take to protect themselves and family members.
School Preparedness - On March 6, the Secretary of Education, Rod Paige, and Secretary Ridge announced a new web site that provides educators and school administrators with key emergency information to include in their own preparedness plans. The website includes information covering a variety of emergencies, including natural disasters, violent incidents, and terrorist acts. The website is: www.ed.gov/emergencyplan.
READY.GOV - The READY.GOV website and 1-800-Be-Ready line provide citizens with informative preparedness suggestions and advice for families.
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