Posted June 10, 2004

Being Alert to the Signs of Terrorism

Since the terrorist attacks of September 11—and the recent warnings that more attacks may occur this summer—Americans have been urged to remain vigilant and to report suspicious activity.

But what does that mean? What activities should we consider suspicious? And how should we report it?

One of the lessons of September 11 is that the terrorists targeting America are deliberate and calculating in deciding where and when to strike. Terrorists conduct surveillance to determine a target's suitability for attack by assessing security and identifying weaknesses. Finally, they plan their attack at the point of greatest vulnerability. Because terrorists must conduct surveillance—often over a period of weeks, months, or even years—they are exposed to public view and we have our best chance to stop them before they can strike.

What to Watch For

•  Several sightings of the same suspicious person, vehicle, or activity, separated by time, distance, or direction,

•  Individuals who stay at bus or train stops for extended periods while buses and trains come and go,

•  Individuals who carry on long conversations on pay or cellular telephones,

•  Individuals who order food at a restaurant and leave before the food arrives or who order without eating,

•  Joggers who stand and stretch for an inordinate amount of time,

•  Individuals sitting in a parked car for an extended period of time,

•  Individuals who don't fit into the surroundings because their clothing is inappropriate for the season and location,

•  Individuals drawing pictures or taking notes in an area not normally of interest to tourists,

•  Individuals photographing security cameras, guard locations, or watching security drills,

•  Individuals who exhibit suspicious behavior, such as staring or quickly looking away from individuals or vehicles as they enter or leave facilities or parking areas,

•  Activities that could be considered a dry run—mapping, pacing routes, practicing scenarios alone or with others, casing facilities or timing traffic flow.

•  Individuals using binoculars or other vision-enhancing devices in a way that seems out of the ordinary.

•  Individuals who show an unusual interest in :

•  public utilities such as water treatment facilities and power plants,

•  large public gatherings such as sporting events, concerts and festivals,

•  transportation centers such as airports and bus stations,

•  government buildings or,

•  symbolic targets

•  Individuals asking unusual questions,   particularly about security or procedures for the types of buildings and activities listed above.

At security checkpoints, terrorists may use aggressive surveillance techniques to determine the effectiveness of search procedures and to gauge the alertness and reaction of security personnel. They may make false phone threats, approach security checkpoints to ask for directions, or "innocently" attempt to smuggle contraband through security checkpoints.

Given the terrorists’ history of using vehicle bombs, Americans are being asked to watch for some possible clues:

•  Vehicles parked illegally or otherwise abandoned near office buildings or other public places,

•  Unexpected or unfamiliar delivery trucks,

•  Unfamiliar vehicles parked for long periods,

•  Vehicles containing unusual or suspicious parcels or material,

•  Vehicles arriving and being left behind at odd hours,

•  Substances leaking or spilling from vehicles.

Finally, as a precaution against planted bombs, it’s important to keep an eye out for parcels, suitcases, backpacks or other items that have been abandoned in unusual locations, high traffic areas or near elevators. It is important not to move any item that seems suspicious. People should be moved away from the item and the police should be notified immediately.

Reporting an Emergency Situation

•  Remember that your safety is of the utmost importance.

•  If you encounter an emergency situation, do not rush in . In the case of an explosion, there may be a secondary explosive device that has not yet detonated. In fires as well as explosions, there may be hazardous materials present. The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office,   Brevard County Fire-Rescue and Brevard’s city police and fire departments have personnel who are specially trained to deal with these hazards and to preserve evidence at what may well be a crime scene.

•  Call 911 for help. Try not to use a cellular telephone to report an explosion. Cellular telephones have been used to trigger explosive devices.

•  Remain on the line with the 911 operator and carefully follow his or her instructions.

•  Provide the 911 operator with as much detail as you can. The information you provide will be continuously relayed to emergency personnel en route to the scene.

•  Location. The more exact you can be, the sooner emergency personnel can find you.

•  Nature of the incident. Was it an explosion, a fire, or some other type of emergency?

•  Victims. How many victims can you see (from a safe distance) and what is their condition?

•  Suspicious persons and vehicles. (See “Tips on Giving a Description.”)

Reporting a Suspicious Incident

•  Again, your safety is top priority. If you witness what you believe to be a suspicious incident, don’t take direction action, don’t confront the person involved and don’t reveal your suspicions.

•  Call 911 and provide the operator with as much detail as you can on:

•  The activity that made you suspicious. What exactly was the person doing?

•  The location. Exactly where was the person when he or she came to your attention?

•  Equipment. What kind of weapons, cameras or other equipment was the person carrying, if any?  

•  People and vehicle   (See “Tips on Giving a Description.”)

Tips on Giving a Description

For a Person:

•  Sex

•  Race

•  Age (approximate)

•  Height (approximate, use 2 inch blocks)

•  Weight (approximate, use 10 lb. blocks)

•  Build (medium, heavyset, thin, etc.)

•  Hair (color, length, include facial hair)

•  Complexion (light, dark, ruddy, olive)

•  Eyes (color, glasses)

•  Peculiarities (scars, tattoos, missing limbs)

•  Clothing (from head to toe, style, defects)

•  Weapons (if any)

•  Method of escape (direction, vehicle, etc.)

For a Vehicle:

•  Year, make and model

•  Body type (2 door, 4 door, van, SUV, etc.)

•  Passengers (number of people in vehicle)

•  License Plate (most important)

•  Damage or anything unusual (logos, etc.)

•  Direction of Travel

Sources: U.S. Department of Homeland Security: Federal Emergency Management Agency and Transportation Safety Administration; Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Have a question?   Write to us at citizen.corps@brevardcounty.us and we’ll do our best to get you a quick answer.

Posted May 27, 2004

View FBI Wanted Posters

Warning that the Al Qaeda terror network appears to be making final preparations for another major attack on U.S. soil, the FBI is asking the public’s help in locating seven suspected terrorists—one of them a former Broward County resident. U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft said these suspects present "a clear and present danger" to the United States because of their proficiency with English, their familiarity with our culture and their skills in using forged documents and false identities.

Terror suspect Adnan G. El Shukrijumah is a former resident of Miramar. Having lived in that Broward County community for several years in the 1990s, El Shukrijumah graduated from Broward Community College with an Associate of Arts degree. His parents, according to authorities, still live in Broward County.   Although El Shukrijumah’s family says he is living in Morocco, law enforcement officials say he has made several attempts to re-enter the United States.

El Shukrijumah is described as 5-foot-3 to 5-foot-5, 132 pounds, with a Mediterranean complexion, black hair and black eyes. He occasionally wears a beard., has a pronounced nose and is asthmatic. A native of Saudi Arabia, he carries a uyanese passport, but may also use a Saudi, Canadian, or Trinidadian passport.

The FBI has been looking for El Shukrijumah   since March when he was identified by two of the highest ranking Al Qaeda leaders captured to date. El Shukrijumah has been identified as an al Qaeda field commander on the level of Mohammed Atta, the lead hijacker in the September 11 attacks. Captured al Qaeda attack planner Khalid Shaikh Mohammed said that El Shukrijumah had been sent to the United States to carry out an operation, probably via Canada.

Ashcroft and FBI Director Robert Mueller said government officials are concerned about the possibility of a major attack this summer for several reasons:

•  Intelligence personnel are picking up a steady stream of terrorist “chatter” indicating hat Al Qaeda’s preparations for a major U.S. attack are “90 percent complete.”

•  With the approach of November’s presidential vote, Al Qaeda may try to duplicate the success it had in influencing the outcome of Spain’s recent national elections.

•  Several high-profile events will draw large crowds—and the world’s attention: the Group of Eight economic summit next month in Georgia; the Democratic national convention in Boston in July and the Republican national convention in New York in August.

Law enforcement officials are asking Americans to be on the lookout for the seven suspects pictured here. All should be considered armed and dangerous . If you see any of the suspects or have information regarding their whereabouts, contact the nearest FBI office or call 911. ¨

Have a question?   Write to us at Brevard Citizen Corps and we’ll do our best to get you a quick answer.

Posted April 6, 2004

Wildfire Threat Grows As Summer Nears  

The landscape is dry and likely to get drier. Until the rainy season begins—usually in early June—firefighters will watch anxiously for smoke in the distance.

Some woodland fires will be the result of a burning cigarette tossed carelessly from a passing car or a campfire left untended. Others will be the work of arsonists.

No matter how they start, woodland fires pose a serious threat to nearby communities and the firefighters who struggle to stop their approach.

Brevard County hasn’t been immune.

In June 1981, U. S. Fish & Wildlife Service officers Scott Maness and Beau Sauselein were killed while battling a fast-moving fire on the Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge. The two men were using a tractor to cut a fire break when the wind suddenly shifted and whipped up to 45 miles per hour.   They attempted to outrun the fire, but were unable to escape.

Seventeen summers later, in July 1998, more than 30 North Brevard homes were consumed by a massive fire that jumped Interstate 95 near the Brevard-Volusia County line. Between Memorial Day and the 4 th of July that year, 120 miles of I-95 were closed and more than 100,000 Floridians were evacuated from their homes. Among them was the entire population of Flagler County. More than 4,000 firefighters from 41 states, National Guardsmen and even the U.S. Marines were enlisted against what one official called "the wildfire of the century."  

In recent weeks, grim images of wildfire have returned to the front pages of newspapers around the state: a 2,300-acre fire in Lake County, a 700-acre fire in Dade County, entire neighborhoods evacuated. Last week alone, 168 woodland fires were reported to the Florida Division of Emergency Management. Red Flag Warnings are in effect in 46 of Florida’s 67 counties.

And although Brevard is not currently among them, that could change at any time, according to the county’s Emergency Management Director, Bob Lay. “We had a cold winter and that translates into dead vegetation which is more fuel for potential fires. At this time of year, we get wind, but not much rain.   Conditions can change very quickly and it’s important that everyone do what they can to prevent the spread of fires and be prepared to act quickly when fires break out.”

What You Can Do

The United States Fire Administration and the Federal Emergency Management Agency offer these suggestions on steps residents can take to prevent a wildfire disaster:

•  Keep roofs clean of debris and clear a 50-foot area around your home (100 feet if you live in a wooded area). Remove all flammable debris like dead limbs and dry vegetation.

•  If you have firewood, store it at least 100 feet from your home. Clear a 20-foot-wide area around wood piles and 10-foot-wide areas around propane tanks and barbeque grills.

•  Make sure you have enough garden hose to reach any area of your home or other structures on your property.

•  Plan more than one fire escape route from your home. Your first choice may be cut off by fire.

•  Talk with neighbors about wildfire safety and come up with ways you could help neighbors   who may be disabled and need special assistance.

If fires are threatening and you’re sure you have time:

•  Close windows, vents, doors, blinds and non-combustible window coverings. Remove lightweight curtains.

•  Move flammable furniture toward the center of your home and away from windows and glass doors.

•  Move combustible lawn furniture indoors.

•  Set up lawn sprinklers to wet the roof of your home and at least 15 feet around it in all directions.

•  Before leaving, lock your doors and turn on a light in each room to increase the visibility of your home in heavy smoke.

Posted February 24, 2004

Lightning:

Florida’s Deadliest Weather Hazard

(First in a series examining local weather hazards.)

Some enjoy the dramatic daily light shows that mark summertime in Florida. Others are unnerved by lightning and the crashing thunderbolts that accompany it.   In either case, lightning is the weather phenomenon perhaps most familiar to Brevard County residents and visitors.

It is also the most dangerous.

Florida is the lightning capital of the United States. That’s not surprising when one considers that lightning forms when moist air collides with warm, unstable air. During the long days of summer, the landmass of the Florida peninsula bakes under the tropical sun. At the same time, moist air is rising from the surrounding ocean and gulf waters. By mid-afternoon, the hot air and moist air are colliding, setting the stage for darkening skies, heavy rain, thunder and lightning.

Although it gets limited media attention, lightning claims more victims than hurricanes or tornadoes.   Only floods take more lives.

The National Weather Service said an average of 73 people are killed each year by lightning strikes – most of them in Florida. Between 1959 and 2001 lightning killed 404 people in Florida – more than twice the number killed in any other state.

Another 1,979 people were injured by Florida lightning strikes during the same period.

The "Average" Lightning Victim

In studying 35 years of lightning-related injuries and deaths, researchers have come up with a profile of the average victim: He is a male, most likely a young boy. He will be struck by lightning as he stands in an open field or recreation area somewhere in Florida. It will happen between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. on a Saturday, a Sunday or a Wednesday in July.

There is an 8-in-10 chance he will survive, but will likely suffer long-term injuries including m emory loss, attention deficits, sleep disorders, numbness, dizziness, and weakness .

The lightning bolt that hit him may have been as much as six miles long and as big around as a half dollar. The air around the lightning bolt would have reached 50,000 degrees and the bolt itself would have carried 100 million to one billion volts of electricity.

Lightning Safety Rules

The sun may still be shining and the dark storm clouds may be miles in the distance, but the lightning threat is much closer than you may think. The bottom line: If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to the storm to be struck by lightning. Experts recommend these precautions:

•  Don’t wait for lightning or thunder before seeking shelter.

•  Head for shelter inside a substantial building such as a business, school or home. Once inside, avoid standing by open windows, doors, or patios.

•  Don’t seek shelter in small, open structures such as park pavilions.

•  If you can’t get to a substantial building, get into a hard-top metal vehicle with the windows closed.

•  If you're caught outside in an open area and can’t get to a safe place, find a low spot away from isolated trees and other tall objects. Make sure you’re not the tallest object and that you’re not near the tallest object. Stay far away from metal wires, fences and structures.

•  If you're are caught outside in a wooded area and can’t get to a safe place, take shelter in an area of shorter trees.

•  If you're swimming or boating, get to land immediately.

•  If you feel your skin tingle or your hair stands on end, squat low to the ground on the balls of your feet.  Place your hands on your knees with your head between them.  Make yourself the smallest target possible, and be sure to minimize your contact with the ground.

•  If you have children involved in outdoor sports, make sure officials have and follow a specific lightning safety plan

•  Remember your pet’s safety. Dog houses are not safe and metal runners or chains can increase the chances of your pet being struck by lightning.

•  If you're indoors, unplug all unnecessary appliances before the storm approaches.

•  Don't use the telephone during the storm unless it's an emergency.

•  Don't take a bath or shower during a storm.

•  If someone near you is struck by lightning, offer them immediate help. Their bodies do not carry an electric charge and it is safe to touch them. Check the victim for heart or respiratory problems. Call for help and, if necessary, start CPR.

•  Remember the 30-30 Rule: When you see lightning, start counting and continue until you hear thunder. If it is 30 seconds of less, seek shelter immediately and stay there for at least 30 minutes after the last rumble of thunder you hear.

Have a question?   Write to us at citizen.corps@brevardcounty.us   and we’ll do our best to get you a quick answer.