Back ST. LOUIS--February 7, 2003 — America’s terror threat level has been raised to “High/Orange” for just the second time since the Homeland Security Advisory System was established nearly a year ago, and the American Red Cross is urging the public to take steps to prepare for the unexpected. Corresponding with the government’s color-coded system, the Red Cross has tailored specific emergency readiness information for families, individuals, schools, neighborhoods and businesses relating at each of the five threat levels. These Red Cross Recommendations for the Homeland Security Advisory System are available for the public at www.redcross.org. “When hearing that the terror threat level has been raised, many people think, ‘what does this mean to me? What do I need to do?’” said Alan McCurry, Chief Operating Officer of the American Red Cross. “The preparedness information available at redcross.org is specifically tailored for each color-coded threat level, giving the general public some practical preparedness guidelines that can make homes, schools, workplaces and communities safer during these uncertain times.” Each level of the Red Cross recommendations includes completing the identified actions at the lesser threat levels. Being alert to suspicious activity and reporting it to authorities, along with taking a Red Cross CPR/AED and first aid course, are recommended throughout the system. Specific to today’s announcement, the following is a summary of recommended actions for “Orange” and lower levels: Individuals • Review your Personal Disaster Plan. • Ensure your Disaster Supplies Kit is stocked and ready. • Develop alternate routes to and from work or school and practice them. • Exercise caution when traveling. • Have shelter-in-place materials on hand and review the procedure in Terrorism: Preparing for the Unexpected, a Red Cross brochure. • If a need is announced, donate blood at blood collection center (1-800-GIVE LIFE). • Prior to volunteering, contact blood collection agency to determine their needs. Families • Review Family Disaster Plan with all family members. • Check items in your Disaster Supplies Kit and replace items that are outdated. • If not known to you, contact your child’s school to determine their emergency notification and evacuation plans. • Ensure the emergency communication plan is understood and practiced by all family members. • Discuss children’s fears concerning possible terrorist attacks. Neighborhoods Check on neighbors who are elderly or have special needs to ensure they are okay. Review their disaster plan with them. If a need is announced, contact nearest blood collection agency and offer to organize a neighborhood blood drive. Schools • Review the school’s emergency plan that was developed using the Red Cross Emergency Guide for Business and Industry. • Ensure all emergency supplies are stocked and ready. • Offer Masters of Disaster “Facing Fear: Helping Young People Deal with Terrorism and Tragic Events” lessons in grades K-12. • Prepare to handle inquiries from anxious parents and media. Businesses • Review the emergency plans, including continuity of operations and media materials on hand. • Ensure that the emergency communication plan is updated and includes the purchase of needed emergency equipment as detailed in the Red Cross Emergency Management Guide for Business and Industry. • Determine any need to restrict access to the business or provide private security firm support/reinforcement. • Contact vendors/suppliers to confirm their emergency response plan procedures. • If need is announced, contact nearest blood collection agency about organizing a blood drive. To register for a Red Cross health and safety class, call the American Red Cross at (314) 516-2740 or visit www.redcrossstl.org and register online at the "Take a Class" section. About the American Red Cross St. Louis Area Chapter Founded in 1917, the American Red Cross St. Louis Area Chapter provides emergency and preparedness assistance more than 354,000 times each year. The Red Cross depends on the efforts of 14,700 volunteers and 150 staff to provide a wide range of community support services, including disaster relief, first aid and CPR training, water safety, adult daytime professional care, services to military personnel, assistance to homeless families, and support for blood services. The Chapter provides programs and services to St. Louis City, St. Louis County, St. Charles County and Jefferson County in Missouri, as well as Monroe, St. Clair and part of Madison County in Illinois. # # #

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