University Response to National Terrorism Threats

William Properzio, Director

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security recently raised the national threat level to High “Orange.” Orange is declared when there is a potential high risk of terrorism. FBI Chief Robert Mueller, testifying before a U.S. Senate committee on Tuesday, stated that Al Qaeda might be looking at colleges and other poorly defended locations as possible targets for terrorism attacks. There is no specific information to suggest any individual or group has targeted the University of Florida.

The University of Florida has initiated numerous changes since the 9-11 event to reduce the potential of such an incident on campus. But in response to the recent alerts it is prudent that the campus community be vigilant in its effort to identify potential problems. Please encourage faculty, staff and students to be alert to situations that seem out of place with respect to normal campus activity. Possible problems should be brought to the attention of departmental administrators and the University Police.

The Northeast Florida Domestic Security Task Force issued a NEWS RELEASE on February 12th outlining personal actions steps that the public should consider. The content of this news release can be viewed at:

http://www.ehs.ufl.edu/orange.htm

For additional information on preparing for terrorism visit the following web sites:

http://www.fema.org
http://www.redcross.org
http://floridadisaster.org
http://www.survive-nbc.org