The nation's top counterterrorism expert warns all schools to be prepared for a terrorist attack similar to the one last month in Russia.
Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) October 9, 2004 -- Schools nationwide are getting new warnings to be on the lookout for terrorists in the wake of the siege that killed more than 300 adults and students in Russia last month. It could happen here in America," warns Counterterrorism Expert Elsa Lee, CEO, Advantage SCI, El Segundo, CA.
Lee noted that people still dont understand the seriousness of today's threats. "Don't get caught with your pants down is what my mom used to say when unexpected company arrived at a moments notice, when she wasn't ready to receive guests. Always keep your house in order or you will get caught off guard when you least expect it - she would say about unexpected company."
The new warning means that school administrators and staffs must do an even better job looking out for suspicious people and activity. The U.S. Department of Education has warned schools across the nation to look out for people spying on their buildings who may be planning terrorist activities.
The FBI and the Homeland Security Department decided the U.S. needs to be proactive to keep the same disaster from happening here," said Lee. People don't seem to respond to typical warnings like ‘don't let your guard down ‘prepare a terrorism response plan and rehearse it."
Some of the other things schools are warned to look for are people trying to get information on school bus routes or attendance lists, or anyone who's observing security or evacuation drills.
Lee believes that this latest hostage drama will resonate with some sense of urgency and meaning. Maybe schools have a plan, and it just needs an enhancement, she said. But for those who dont have a plan, its time to act on the realities of today's threats and put measures in place. They dictate that we act differently, think differently, and expect the unexpected as part of our every day life."
For example, Lee asks what will a schools plan call for parents to do if a terrorist incident like Beslan, Russia broke out in their community today? What have parents discussed with children regarding potential school threats? What type of terrorism response plan have parents seen implemented by schools and has it been clearly communicated to all role players?"
You should have your own ‘early warning system and emergency plans, because the government may not always be there to warn you on time," said Lee. Whether it's a terrorist attack, a copycat mimicking a terrorist, or a school disruption - preparedness and response efforts between school officials, parents, first responders, and children is critical."
The events are changing by the minute, so people should increase their awareness and if they see anything suspicious know exactly where theyre going to report it," said Lee, CEO and Founder of Advantage SCI (www.advantagesci.com), El Segundo, CA, which provides security consulting, training, and e-learning to protect people and corporate assets from sabotage, espionage, cyber attacks, and terrorism.
For more information about Elsa Lee and first time responder information visit Advantage SCI website at: www.advantagesci.com or visit: www.MayoCommunications.com and click on Elsa Lees photo and bio.
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