HOMELAND
SECURITY RESPONSE GUIDE
Recommended
Emergency Action Steps
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LEVEL |
Recommended
Emergency Action Steps |
| SEVERE |
| Definition:
a
terrorist attack has occurred or credible
or corroborated intelligence indicates that
one is imminent. Normally, this threat condition
is declared for a special location or critical
facility. |
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- Listen
to radio/TV for current information/instructions.
- Be
alert to suspicious activity and report it to
law enforcement immediately.
- Conduct
identification checks, (e.g. driver's licenses
retained at the main office) and escort all
visitors as deemed appropriate by local authorities.
- Implement
parking restrictions and park vehicles away
from critical areas.
- Close
or limit access to schools if recommended by
appropriate authorities, e.g. the local law
enforcement, public health, etc.
- Consider
having mental health counselors available for
students, staff and faculty.
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| HIGH |
| Definition:
Credible
intelligence indicates that there is a high
risk of a local terrorist attack but a specific
target has not been identified. |
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- Complete
recommended actions at lower levels.
- Be
alert to suspicious activity and report it to
local law enforcement.
- Review
school emergency plans.
- Prepare
to handle questions from anxious parents and
the media.
- Conduct
identification checks of all visitors to the
school (e.g. driver's license). Escort visitors
as deemed appropriate.
- Discuss
children's fears concerning possible terrorist
attacks.
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| ELEVATED |
| Definition:
Elevated
risk of terrorist attack but a specific region
of the United States or target has not been
identified. |
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- Remind
students, staff and faculty to be alert and
to report any suspicious activity to the appropriate
authorities.
- Ensure
all emergency supplies are stocked and ready.
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| GUARDED |
| Definition:
General
risk with no credible threats to specific
targets. |
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- Be
alert to suspicious activity and report it to
proper authorities.
- Conduct
safety training and emergency drills in accordance
with the school's emergency operations plan.
- Have
the school's emergency communications plan updated.
- Have
the plan include both evacuation and shelter
and provisions for sleep, food, and sanitary
needs for students and sheltered nearby residents
for several days.
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| LOW |
| Definition:
Low
risk of terrorism. Routine security is implemented
to preclude routine criminal threats. |
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- Develop
a written emergency operations plan to address
all hazards. Include an emergency communications
plan to maintain the safety of students, staff,
and faculty, as well as an emergency communications
plan to notify parents in the event of an emergency.
- Make
sure the emergency operations plan has been
filed with the local fire departments and law
enforcement agencies, as well as the county
EMA office.
- Assess
which personnel have been trained in first aid/CPR.
- Have
first aid kits stocked.
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