Eugene city officials have recently tightened security measures to help protect citizens in the event of a terrorist attack or other national emergency.
On March 17, President George W. Bush announced a 48-hour deadline for Saddam Hussein and his family to leave Iraq. Following the president’s announcement, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, in cooperation with the Homeland Security Council, raised the national terror level from an elevated risk of attack to a high risk of attack — Level Orange. As a result, cities, towns, school districts and other organizations in Oregon and nationwide raised their own security and added to already substantial disaster plans.
This is not the first time the nation has made preparations for emergencies. During the Cold War of the 1950s and 1960s, air raid sirens were placed in public locations throughout towns, homeowners turned basements into bomb shelters and school children were taught “duck-and-cover” exercises, hiding under their desks and covering their heads in simulation of what to do in the event of nuclear attack.
Fear of a terrorist attack has not reached the drastic or personal levels of the Cold War, but national and local legislatures are beefing up protection for border security, transportation, critical infrastructure and public health institutions.
The Lane County Sheriff’s Office has made efforts throughout the region to tighten security at public buildings and workplaces.
“While there is no known specific threat in our region at this time, it is prudent to upgrade our security preparations to coincide with the Homeland Security’s raised threat level,” Lane County Sheriff Jan Clements said. “Preparedness always make sense.”
Within Eugene, city officials are working with public organizations and the school districts to update disaster plans.
Chuck Solin, emergency manager for the city, said officials have implemented higher access regulations at the Eugene Airport and have taken other steps to safeguard transportation, but he said the Northwest has not received any actual terrorism threats.
“We’re certainly well aware of the warnings, and we’re taking every step necessary to be prepared, but until a credible threat is determined, we are holding steady and continuing with normal business,” Solin said.
Officials inside the Eugene school district emphasized the need to carry on with business as usual.
“We are doing everything we can to maintain schools as a very routine, safe area for students,” Kelly McIver, communication coordinator for the Eugene school district, said. “Students do their best when they feel comfortable and safe in their environments.”
McIver said every classroom and office throughout the district keeps a regularly updated emergency manual on hand, and all schools are equipped with kitchens and emergency supplies, including first aid equipment.
He added district schools are constantly prepared for emergencies, and outside of trying to remain informed of changing terror levels, the district is not forming extensive plans for dealing with attack.
At the University, administrators have been slightly more aggressive in their preparation for emergencies. The Department of Public Safety has been providing primary departments on campus with information about what to do in case of an emergency. University Housing has put together kits containing food and first aid equipment for students living in residence halls.
DPS Interim Director Tom Hicks said students should be protecting themselves by learning about world events, being informed of current situations and staying on top of updates and changes in the political climate.
“We need to be vigilant, but we don’t necessarily need to be paranoid,” he said.