News Releases for January 2004
January 9, 2004
For further information, please Contact the Governor's Office
Terror Threat Level Lowered To Yellow
BISMARCK, N.D. - Gov. John Hoeven today directed Homeland Security Coordinator Doug Friez to lower the state’s terrorist threat level from high (orange) to elevated (yellow). This orange level had been in effect since December 21, 2003. Hoeven encouraged North Dakotans to remain vigilant, even though the Homeland Security Advisory System (HSAS) threat level has been lowered.
Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge lowered the nation’s threat level to yellow and briefed homeland security coordinators and governors this morning.
“The change of the threat level is not a signal to government, law enforcement or citizens that the danger of a terrorist attack is over,” Hoeven said. “Yellow, the new level we’ve moved to now, means a significant risk of terrorist attacks still exists. Vigilance and security measures continue to be required by individuals, governments, business and industry.”
The decision was made to lower the threat level because the overall volume of threat reporting has lessened and in particular, the volume of credible threat reporting. The U.S. intelligence community has concluded that the number of indicators and warnings that led to raising the level has decreased and the heightened vulnerability associated with the holiday season has passed, according to Friez.
“In North Dakota, a private-public partnership to ‘Watch the Neighborhood’ has evolved, highlighting the necessity to lock the doors and report any suspicious activities in neighborhoods; schools; workplaces; high-profile, heavily-attended events; and key facilities,” Friez said. “We need to continue these efforts to ensure the safety of our communities.”
The five levels of alert range from green, the lowest, through blue, yellow, orange and red, the highest.
Citizens seeking preparedness suggestions and advice for families can find it at www.ready.gov and 1-800-Be-Ready.
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