August 2, 2004

via the FDLE –

http://www.fdle.state.fl.us/press_releases/20040802_Threat_Level.html

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Tom Ridge announced today that the threat level is being raised from Elevated-“Yellow” to High-“Orange” for the financial districts of New York City and Washington D.C. There is no specific threat to Florida and the state remains at a “Yellow” or elevated level along with the rest of the country.

“Florida remains at Yellow. The public can be confident in the fact Florida has a sound domestic security strategy and protocol in place,” said Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Guy Tunnell. “However, it is important for Florida’s citizens and visitors to be vigilant while continuing with their daily activities.”

Precautions the public can take are very similar to steps residents would take for a hurricane. They include:

• Continue with normal activities while being aware of your surroundings. Exercise caution while traveling.
• Be alert to suspicious activity and report it to your local law enforcement agency.
• Develop an emergency communications and disaster plan and exercise that plan.
• Prepare a disaster supplies kit to sustain your family for three to seven days. It should include a supply of water, food, flashlight, a battery-powered radio, and a first-aid kit.

For additional information on preparing for terrorism, visit www.fdle.state.fl.us, www.ready.org, and www.FloridaDisaster.org.

For more information, contact:

Mike Stone, PIO
Division of Emergency Management
413-9883

Jill Bratina
Governor’s Press Office
488-5394

Tom Berlinger or Kristen Perezluha
FDLE Public Information Office
(850) 410-7001