New Hampshire officials are taking steps to heighten security after federal officials learned of a possible threat overseas. NHPR's David Darman has more.
Homeland Security Director Tom Ridge raised the nation?s security alert from ?yellow? to ?orange?, after he learned of a possible threat from al quida against embassies and military bases in southeast Asia. Despite this threat, Governor Jeanne Shaheen says Ridge told her the government does not expect threats anywhere else.
05 134 there is no information that indicates a specific threat against any place in the united states or to new England, new hamsphire or any city at this time?05 152 and I think its important to repeat that. They reassured us that there was no credible information leading them to believe that there will be any attacks on u.s. soil. 05 203
State officials say there is no need to curtail air travel or disrupt schedules as part of the heightened alert. Don Bliss, New Hamsphire Acting Director of Emergency Management, says the new alert status does require tightened security, though, at potentially vulnerable places.
07 there?s a couple of specific areas it changes. One in particular is with the nuclear power plants of the country. The nrc has issued procedural requirements for when we go from the yellow to orange, that requires them to increase some of their perimeter security. 07 20
The state is activating a plan for emergencies that has been developed for natural disasters, man made calamities, and other serious situations. As part of that plan, Governor Shaheen says she has taken steps that the public will be able to see for the next few days.
05 340 I think its important to point out that all state police leaves have already been canceled for September 10th, 11th and 12th. And state police will be highly visible throughout the state.
State officials say there is no telling when the orange alert may be changed.
