Fayette County Health Dept Terrorism

Last Updated:
July 24, 2008

Website Designed and Maintained by Robin Hayes

Fayette County Health Department

In March 2002, the White House issued Homeland Security Directive-3, establishing five threat conditions for risk of terrorist attack. To explain what each of these levels means to the residents of Illinois, the American Red Cross developed a set of guidelines for recommended actions, which has been adopted by the Illinois Terrorism Task Force. If you would like further information, please refer to the list of resources below.

Today's THREAT Advisory

Resources for Terrorism Information

Recommended Actions for Illinois Citizens

LOW

ELEVATED

Obtain a copy of Terrorism: Preparing for the Unexpected brochure from your local Red Cross Chapter or view it online on the American Red Cross Website.
Another recommended resource is Surviving Disasters-A Citizen's Emergency Handbook, published by the Illinois Department of Public Health.
Develop an emergency communications plan, which involves selecting an out-of-town contact whom your family can call or e-mail in case of emergency to check on each other, and establish a meeting place for family members.
Assemble a disaster supply kit, which should include a three-day supply of water per person, a three-day supply of food, first aid kit, necessary medications, battery operated radio and extra batteries, clothing and bedding. (For a complete list of recommended supplies, visit the Illinois Emergency Management website.
Schools should develop written emergency plans to address all hazards, including plans to maintain safety of students, staff and faculty, as well as an emergency communications plan to notify parents in the event of an incident.

GUARDED

Complete recommended actions at lower level.

Be alert to suspicious activity and report it to local law enforcement authorities, the Illinois State Police, or the FBI.
Review stored disaster supplies and replace items that are outdated.
Review emergency communication plan.
Establish an alternate meeting place away from home with family/friends.
Schools should conduct safety training/emergency drills following their written emergency plans.

Complete recommended actions at lower levels.

Be alert to suspicious activity and report it to local law enforcement authorities, the Illinois State Police, or the FBI.
Ensure disaster supplies kit is stocked and ready.
Check telephone numbers and e-mail addresses in your family emergency communications plan and update as necessary.
If not know to you, contact school to determine their emergency notification and evacuation plans for children.
Develop alternate routes to/from work/school and practice them.

HIGH

Complete recommended actions at lower levels.

Be alert to suspicious activity and report it to local law enforcement authorities, the Illinois State Police or the FBI.
Review disaster plan with family.
Exercise caution when traveling.
Have shelter-in-place materials on hand and review procedure in Terrorism: Preparing for the Unexpected brochure.
Discuss children's fears concerning possible terrorist attacks.
If a need is announced, donate blood at designated blood collection center.

SEVERE

Complete recommended actions at lower levels.

Be prepared to shelter-in-place or evacuate if instructed to do so by local government authorities. Be aware of neighbors who are elderly or have special needs and may require assistance.
Listen to radio/TV for current information/instructions.
Be alert to suspicious activity and report it immediately to local law enforcement, the Illinois State Police or the FBI.
Contact business/school to determine status of work/school day.
Adhere to any travel restrictions announced by local government authorities.
Discuss children's fears concerning possible/actual terrorist attacks.