People always wonder, what can I do as a citizen to help prevent terrorism. Most believe that they can have no impact or would even come into contact with people with terrorism on their mind. The Office of Homeland Security along with its regional offices is working closely with local, state, federal and international jurisdictions to prevent terrorism. But everyone in every neighborhood across the country needs to help with this effort.
While many argue “Nothing will ever happen here,” the fact is that virtually every corner of America could be exposed to terrorist activities. We not only need to be alert to our countries high profile targets (e.g. transportation systems, water supplies, power plants, etc.) but we need to be vigilant in our own neighborhoods as well. Who would have suspected Pendleton, New York (Oklahoma bomber Timothy McVeigh) or Lodi, California (suspected terrorist Hamid Hayat) or Lackawanna, N.Y (where a group of Americans of Yemeni descent pled guilty to terrorism charges) as locations where terrorist plots would be hatched? The reality is, there is no specific profile of a terrorist, but there are activities they engage in that may seem unusual to us. Noticing these unusual activities is where the citizenry can provide the most help to law enforcement in preventing domestic terrorism.
In our neighborhoods we are all aware of the subtle comings and goings of our neighbors. We know what time the construction worker across the street starts his diesel truck and heads to work. We know when our newspaper is delivered. We know what time the couple down the street walks their dog every night. We know when the mail is delivered and we know when we’re expecting a package in the mail. We recognize delivery personnel at our office and where they park their vehicles. While many of us do not consciously think of these activities as routine, we are nonetheless aware of them. This is a key component of terrorism awareness.
Know the Routines – We are all encouraged to be alert as we go about our daily business. You should consciously learn the normal routines of your neighborhood, community and workplace. Understanding these routines will help you to spot anything out of the ordinary. When you do notice activities outside of the routine, be a little suspicious, not paranoid, but maintain a healthy suspicion until you’re satisfied the activity is appropriate for the persons involved and the time of day. If you feel uncomfortable with the activity or unsure of the implications of the activity, contact your local law enforcement agency and discuss your observations with them. And remember; always let the trained professionals investigate the activity, never get involved with unknown subjects.
Take What You Hear Seriously – Unfortunately, in today’s security climate, we must also be aware of what is said around us. While eavesdropping is never polite, we often times can hear conversations around us. Certainly you can recall incidents where you could hear every word of someone talking nearby on their cell phone. Should you ever overhear or know of someone who has bragged or talked about plans to harm people or who claim membership in a terrorist or extremist organization, take it seriously and report what you know immediately to law enforcement. If you can, without being obvious, notice what the person or persons look like, did they leave in a car, which direction were they heading. Law enforcement will want this information to help their investigation. While the conversation could have been innocent enough, the part you overheard may have sounded suspicious. In any event, notify law enforcement and let them investigate to determine the validity of your concerns. It is better to err on the side of caution than to dismiss what you overheard as not probable in your neighborhood or community.
Travel Safe – In addition to being aware of your surroundings and routines at home and work, you need to be vigilant while traveling the country or world as well. As we learned in the late 60’s and early 70’s, making jokes about high jacking a plane in an airport is not appropriate. Today, few would even consider such a conversation in an airport. But you should still pay close attention to your fellow travelers for activities, actions or conversations that you don’t feel are appropriate. Again, having a description of the individual to provide to airport security will be helpful. As long as your concerns are genuine, and you are truthful with the authorities, your identification of an “out-of-place” individual will be appreciated.
Be Proactive, Get Involved – To better protect your neighborhood, get to know your neighbors. Consider forming a Neighborhood Watch group through your local law enforcement agency to strengthen your neighborhood against crime and make it a safer place to live. Such groups have strength in numbers that can provide many eyes on the lookout for suspicious activities or unusual conduct in your neighborhood. You might also consider taking Community Emergency Response Training (http://www.citizencorps.gov/programs/cert.shtm) from your local fire department. Such training will help you to assist your family and neighbors in the event of a local or statewide disaster when 1st responders may not be able to help you immediately.
Jim Serre has over 30 years experience in the business world. He currently volunteers for local Search & Rescue and CERT Units. Additionally, he is a qualified instructor for Neighborhood Emergency Training courses sponsored by the Office of Homeland Security and Community Emergency Response Team training. His knowledge of survival and preparedness skills make him uniquely qualified to design survival kits that can save your life. For more emergency preparedness information see their website at: www.getreadygear.com.
