[Archived] City of Alexandria Responds to Increased Threat Level

City Press Release


	City of Alexandria, Virginia Office of the City Manager Alexandria City Hall 301 King Street, Suite 3500 Alexandria, Virginia 22314-3211 www.alexandriava.gov Telephone: 703.838.4300 Fax : 703.838.6343

City Responds to Increased Threat Level

With the federal government’s announcement that the national threat level was moved to “orange” or “high risk” this afternoon, the City of Alexandria is taking additional steps to insure the safety of its employees, residents, businesses and visitors. The orange threat level means that there is a high risk of a local terrorist attack but that a specific target has not been identified. The Alexandria Police and Fire Departments have had extensive training in emergencies and have plans in place to increase their presence and response levels as needed.

During Code Orange, City government programs and services will continue operating with enhanced safety procedures and security protocols which were established following the 9/11 tragedy. When the national threat level was increased from yellow to orange on Sunday, the US Department of Homeland Security said it was due to a “substantial increase in the volume of threat related intelligence reports” and that terrorist attacks are possible around the holiday season and beyond. Nevertheless, the federal government noted that extensive and considerable protections are in place around the country and residents are encouraged to stick to their travel and holiday plans.

Residents and businesses are encouraged to monitor news broadcasts for updated information and make sure your family and your home are prepared for any potential emergency. Updates about Alexandria programs and services will be posted on the City’s web site and provided to radio and television stations.

A guide to emergency preparedness, called Your Guide to Emergency Preparedness, can be downloaded from the City’s web site. For persons without access to a computer, a copy of the guide can be obtained from a City library or in Citizen Assistance in City Hall, or call 703.838.4800 for a copy.

During the increased threat level, community members are encouraged to be cautious and to report any suspicious activity to the Police Department. The Alexandria City government will continue operating during code orange. However, in the future, some changes may be needed in City government programs and services, and will be announced on the City’s web site (ci.alexandria.va.us) and on radio and television stations.

Community members are also reminded to keep these important telephone numbers:

General City Information: 703.838.4800

Non-emergency Police: 703.838.4444

Emergency Fire and Police: 911