FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 18, 2003
Contact: Kerre Fisher, (907)
748-7398
Public Health Prepares for Increase to Threat Level ‘Orange’
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Juneau, Alaska - - - In response to the increased threat level established yesterday by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Alaska Division of Homeland Security, the Alaska Division of Public Health (DPH) is asking its staff and partner agencies to increase their vigilance and preparation concerning possible bioterrorism attacks.
According to the National and State Homeland Security guidance, threat condition orange, meaning high, is the fourth level in the five-tier threat condition system. Threat condition orange means that there is credible intelligence indicating a high risk of a terrorist attack, but a specific target has not been identified.
“While there is no specific terrorism threat at this time, the Division of Public Health is following the national and state recommendations which call for increased security considerations, and increased awareness of symptoms of potential bioterrorism attacks,” said DPH Acting Director Deb Erickson.
All DPH facilities and public health clinics will continue their daily operations, but will also emphasize security and emergency procedures for the safety of both the patients and the staff. Private healthcare providers and hospitals around the state are also being asked to evaluate their security procedures and emergency plans and increase their preparedness levels accordingly.
Patients and other public members should not experience any unreasonable
delays at their healthcare facilities because of this upgraded
threat condition; however, increased security precautions may be
in place and should be expected.
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For more information, please contact
Sherry Hill, Special Assistant to the Commissioner for Communications
(907) 465-1611Or
Ross Soboleff
Public Information Officer III
(907) 465-1611
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