The Trucking Information Sharing and Analysis Center (Truck ISAC) announced Tuesday afternoon that although the Homeland Security Advisory System has been raised to level Orange,
“there is no sector-specific threat information regarding the trucking industry” at this time.
The Department of Homeland Security issued the national threat alert at 4 p.m. Tuesday, raising it from Yellow (Elevated) to Orange (High).
The Truck ISAC said the “continuing string of suicide bombs in Africa and the Middle East seems to indicate a concerted effort on the part of international terrorist organizations to launch a sustained wave of attacks, much as occurred at the end of 2002. Al-Qaeda's continuing interest in looking for opportunities to attack in the U.S. should be of significance to all in the transportation sector.”
Under the higher alert conditions, trucking interests should take the following additional steps in their security programs, according to Truck ISAC:
When High (Condition Orange) and Severe (Condition Red) terrorism threats are declared, trucking companies have the need to consider their own actions in parallel with those implemented by government agencies. These build upon the procedures under the Elevated (Condition Yellow) that has been the baseline for the last year.
Monitor ATA and state trucking association communications and web sites closely. Truck ISAC will provide information to the industry as soon as it becomes available. Since events may unfold quickly and at unpredictable times, the following are some considerations in the event High or Severe Threat Conditions are declared.
High Alert (Threat Condition Orange):
-- Assign your management crisis team, verify their 24/7 contact information and place them on "ready alert" through the period of High Alert.
-- Reduce your internal tolerance for "security anomalies," such as overdue or missing vehicles, perimeter of physical plant intrusions, unverified visitors, evidence of tampering and the like. Report suspicious activities, especially those fitting any profiles presented in threat alert advisories, immediately to law enforcement and/or the nearest FBI field office.
-- Conduct emergency/contingency procedures reviews with drivers, dispatchers and line management personnel. Brief personnel on the threats that triggered the alert and how these threats may present themselves in the field.
-- Test your emergency communications systems.
-- Identify state and/or local emergency planning agencies, industry resources and the like through which event response and recovery information can be obtained.
-- Assure that company personnel monitor news and other information sources for events or changes in conditions and respond as appropriate.