*NEW*

Ready.gov from the US Dept. of Homeland Security click here

The federal government, and organizations across America are working hard to strengthen our Nation's security. Whenever possible, we want to stop terrorist attacks before they happen. Visit this website to learn more.

The Office of Homeland Security offers the following definitions for the colors in the Homeland Security Advisory System:
Green
Low risk of terrorist attacks. The following protective measures may be applied: refining and exercising preplanned protective measures; ensuring personnel receive training on HSAS, departmental, or agency-specific protective measures; and regularly assessing facilities for vulnerabilities and taking measures to reduce them.
Blue
General risk of terrorist attack. In addition to the previously outlined protective measures, the following may be applied: checking communications with designated emergency response or command locations; reviewing and updating emergency response procedures; and providing the public with necessary information.
Yellow
Significant risk of terrorist attacks. In addition to the previously outlined protective measures, the following may be applied: increasing surveillance of critical locations; coordinating emergency plans with nearby jurisdictions; assessing further refinement of protective measures within the context of the current threat information; and implementing, as appropriate, contingency and emergency response plans.
Orange
High risk of terrorist attacks. In addition to the previously outlined protective measures, the following may be applied: coordinating necessary security efforts with armed forces or law enforcement agencies; taking additional precaution at public events; preparing to work at an alternate site or with a dispersed workforce; and restricting access to essential personnel only.
Red
Severe risk of terrorist attacks. In addition to the previously outlined protective measures, the following may be applied: assigning emergency response personnel and pre-positioning specially trained teams; monitoring, redirecting or constraining transportation systems; closing public and government facilities; and increasing or redirecting personnel to address critical emergency needs.
Posted September 8, 2002

ANNOUNCEMENT
Governor Easley has released a new webpage dedicated to safety and security issues in North Carolina. Click here

We received the following information from Church World Service (CWS), which includes an excellent link to the Faith and Values website. The site has information on the ongoing response to terrorism by CWS and other major denominations. 

Terrorist Attacks Recovery: CWS continues its training for clergy and caregivers following the September 11 terrorist attacks in NYC and at the Pentagon. CWS-sponsored training webcasts are available for on-demand viewing at www.faithandvalues.com CWS is also teaming up with Eastern Mennonite University to provide five-day training events on trauma and grief for clergy in the NY-metro area. In addition, the next CWS Interfaith Trauma Response Team training event for New York-area clergy and caregivers is scheduled for Dec. 7. To find out more about these training opportunities, NYC-area clergy are invited to call 212-288-6857. CWS' Emotional and Spiritual Care Resource Center is linking counselors with communities in need. Qualified counselors from CWS-member denominations who are experienced and credentialed in Emotional and Spiritual Care, Pastoral Counseling and/or Critical Incident Stress Debriefing are asked to call 1-800-226-7962 to volunteer.

Click here to view information on how to helping children cope with loss.

Please visit this link for "America Responds" information.
http://www.refdesk.com/attack.html

Please visit www.citizencorps.gov for ongoing information and training materials on President Bush's Citizen Corps and CERT Training program throughout the US and in NC (which can also be accessed through FEMA's website).