TERRORISTIC ACTIVITIES

The safety and well being of our students and employees are of highest priority to LaGrange College. In the face of the nation’s heightened concern over possible terrorist attacks, the college would like all members of the campus community to be aware of our communication procedure in case of a local, state or national crisis.
Action Plan for Homeland Security Advisories
In March, 2002, the United States of America implemented the "Homeland Security Advisory System" to provide a comprehensive means to disseminate information regarding the risk of terrorist attacks. This system provides warnings in the form of a set of graduated "threat conditions" that increase as the risk of terrorist threat increases. The LaGrange College campus will respond as follows for each of the threat conditions:

1. Maintain written emergency plans to address all hazards. Disseminate relevant information to campus community members.
2. Continue safe and common sense practices in daily routines.
3. Report suspicious circumstances and/or individuals to the Campus Services Department.

1. Review all applicable emergency plans.
2. Assess mail handling procedures against intelligence with respect to current security threat level.
3. Be alert to suspicious activity and report it to the proper authorities.

1. Share pertinent information directly related to threat level with the Emergency Response Team.
2. Review campus Emergency Preparedness Plan. Review contingency and evacuation plans.
3. Meet with appropriate representatives of critical infrastructure facilities (Campus Services, IT, etc.) to review contingency plans and/or implement increased security measures as appropriate.
4. Remind all employees to be suspicious and inquisitive and maintain heightened awareness of people, vehicles and activities.
5. Advise personnel who handle mail and package delivery to remain vigilant and report any concerns or suspect items.

1. Provide briefings as necessary to members of Emergency Response Team.
2. Ensure all members of Emergency Response Team are available for service. Identify and/or notify alternate members if primary members are unavailable.
3. Communicate via e-mail with all members of the campus community regarding the increased threat level and advise them to take appropriate actions.
4. Identify any planned events where large attendance is anticipated. Consult with event organizers regarding emergency  preparedness and site accessibility and control. Consider recommendations to cancel the event if warranted by the current situation.
5. Enforce parking of vehicles away from sensitive buildings.
6. Erect barriers to control traffic flow and facility access, as appropriate.
7. Be alert to suspicious activity and report to the proper authorities.

1. Implement appropriate portions of Emergency Preparedness Plan. Convene meetings of Emergency Response Team to determine level of campus response.
2. Activate campus Control Center as necessary.
3. Implement appropriate staffing plans (including staff recall) within departments and divisions that support the campus response (as outlined in Emergency Preparedness Plan).
4. Consider cancellation of classes and the release of employees not involved with response to the situation.
5. Control access and implement positive identification checks of all personnel involved in the response. If necessary, issue/create temporary identification or access credentials.
6. Search all suitcases, briefcases, packages, etc. brought into critical facilities.

Terrorism - Information
Before

1. Learn about the nature of terrorism.

2. Terrorists often choose targets that offer little danger to themselves and areas with relatively easy public access.
3. Foreign terrorists look for visible targets where they can avoid detection before or after an attack such as international airports, large cities, major international events, resorts, and high-profile landmarks.

1. Learn about the different types of terrorist weapons including explosives, kidnappings, hijackings, arson, and shootings.
2. Prepare to deal with a terrorist incident by adapting many of the same techniques used to prepare for other crises.

6. Be alert and aware of the surrounding area. The very nature of terrorism suggests that there may be little or no warning.
7. Take precautions when traveling. Be aware of conspicuous or unusual behavior. Do not accept packages from strangers. Do not leave luggage unattended.
8. Learn where emergency exists are located. Think ahead about how to evacuate a building, subway or congested public area in a hurry. Learn where staircases are located.
9. Notice your immediate surroundings. Be aware of heavy or breakable objects that could move, fall or break in an explosion.

Preparing for a Building Explosion

The use of explosives by terrorists can result in collapsed buildings and fires. People who live or work in a multi-level building can do the following:

1. Review emergency evacuation procedures. Know where fire exits are located.
2. Keep fire extinguishers in working order. Know where they are located, and how to use them. Learn first aid.

Keep the following items in a designated place on each floor of the building.

1. Portable, battery-operated radio and extra batteries
2. Several flashlights and extra batteries
3. First aid kit and manual
4. Several hard hats
5. Fluorescent tape to rope off dangerous areas