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As of 01-09-04
the Homeland Security Advisory System has lowered the
threat condition to Yellow or Elevated Alert. The
Elevated Alert warns of a significant risk of a terrorist
attack.
SPECIAL
REPORT FOR TERROR ALERTS
The recent
change in the Terror Threat level is a good example of how
we are all being asked to face new challenges and accept
new dangers. This is a good time to think about how to
keep yourself and the community safe. Here are some
thoughts.
-
AM I IN
DANGER?- The increased level in the warning
system does mean that the government is specifically
concerned about acts of terrorism. The nature of
terrorism is that terror groups can strike at any time
in any place. The random nature of terrorism means
that we can not say who is in specific danger at any
time. This randomness is meant as a psychological
weapon designed to generate fear among a large group
of people. According to statistics, the likelihood
that you will be a victim of a terrorist act is quite
low, but it is still best to be prepared.
-
IS
CAMPUS SAFE?- Again, terrorism is random and
therefore it is hard to say that any specific area is
dangerous or safe. However, it is important for you to
know that administrators on campus are being proactive
and taking logical and sensible steps to ensure campus
safety.
-
STRESS,
FEAR and ANXIETY- It is very normal to feel
nervous and anxious these days. In additional to your
regular stresses you are hearing about terror alerts
and war. Anxiety, stress and fear are natural human
reactions that help the body and mind prepare for
extreme situations. Prolonged anxiety can have
negative effects on a person. While today's headlines
are frightening and disturbing, it is important that
you try to keep things in perspective. Allow your
anxiety to direct you into making good and safe
choices but it's important to ensure that your anxiety
does not overwhelm you.
-
BE
AWARE- One of the most important things you can do
is to simply be aware of your environment and your
surroundings. This means paying a little more
attention to where you are and how you might react if
something happened. You should know where emergency
exits are, know which floor your on in case you need
to take the stairs down and in general know how to
exit a building. Being aware also means reporting
strange or unusual persons or situations. If you do
notice a strange person or situation, do not confront
the situation. Instead call the University Police
immediately by dialing 911 or 753-2111.
-
SOME
COMMON SENSE IDEAS- If you do find that some kind
of event has taken place on campus. It will be
important that you react in a calm and rational
manner. While it is easy for panic to set in, you will
be safer if you can try to control your emotions and
get yourself to safety. For one; never enter or go
near a building that has been damaged by an explosion,
fire or smoke. Also, try to move away from the scene
of any incident. Be cautious that you avoid becoming
part of a crowd. Sometimes panic can set a crowd into
a frenzy and more injuries may result. Also never put
yourself in danger.
-
It is very
important that all students, faculty and staff carry
identification with them at all times, especially if
the Terror Alert level is raised to SEVERE (red)
ALERT. Should the Terror Level go to RED Alert check
points may be set up in various places on campus.
-
For
students living in the residence halls, please,
for your safety and the safety of the others in the
hall DO NOT PROP OPEN ANY DOORS or allow anyone, that
you do not know, to walk into the building (tailgate)
behind you.
The
University Police Department wants to make you aware of
the impact of this state of alert to the campus
community by providing general information about the
institutional response and what is expected of community
members during these uncertain times.
-
The
University Police Department has in place and will
activate the Critical Incident Response Plan should
an emergency situation arise.
-
The
University Police maintains a liaison with local,
state and federal agencies to facilitate information
sharing with the campus community.
-
Shortly
after the 9-11 attacks the University Police
Department has been connected directly to The New York
State Office of Public Security via a dedicated
computer located at the University Police Station.
This computer receives all national and state warnings
and related threat information.
-
In
addition to the above computer, UPD also has a
New York State Police Information Network terminal, which
also receives advisories concerning threat levels and
related information.
-
Additional
police coverage for certain special events will be
implemented.
We ask the
campus community to be vigilant in immediately reporting
suspicious activity that you observe on campus. Your
intimate knowledge of personal space and areas you
frequent on campus enable you to best judge persons or
conditions that are out of place or suspicious. If you
observe anything that seems out of the ordinary, we
encourage you to immediately call UPD by dialing 911
or 2111 from campus phones.
In addition to suspicious persons also be aware of any
suspicious vehicles or activities near or around
buildings. Any unregistered or unattended vehicles
in restricted areas will be removed.
UPD would
also like to remind the campus community that we have a
Silent Witness Program set up on our web site. If you
feel that information needs to be passed along
to the University Police, that
does not require an immediate emergency response, you
may do so anonymously.
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