FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 22, 2003
Public Health Increases Vigilance for Threat Level 'Orange'
Juneau, Alaska - - - In reponse to the increased threat level established yesterday by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and today in Alaska by Governor Murkowski, the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services, 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 highest 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.
"Since we are currently in the midst of the flu season, all health care facilities are already on heightened awareness for infectious diseases. The increased security procedures should compliment this awareness," said DPH Director Doug Bruce in a memo today to internal staff and other health care partners.
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 health care 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 health care facilities because of this upgraded threat condition; however, increased security precautions may be in place and should be expected.
Additional Online Information Regarding Threat Levels:
Alaska Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
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For more information, please contact
Sherry Hill
Special Assistant to the Commissioner
Juneau Office: (907) 465-1618
Anchorage: (907) 269-7800
Cell: (907) 321-2838
Email: sherry_hill@health.state.ak.usJeff Kasper
Project Director
Juneau Office: (907) 465-8194
Email: jeff_kasper@health.state.ak.us
for this press release please contact:
Kerre Fisher, (907) 269-2042 or 748-7398
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