Did You Notice?

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I’m doing a first on my blog today.  I’m re-running a previously published blog post.


I AM going to add a little to the beginning here, by asking a question.


Were any of you nervous yesterday…the tenth anniversary of 9-11?  I was, but then I’m aware of the potential for terrorist attack everyday.   More on that in a second.


I was concerned that with all the attention on the fact there was credible information there would be a car-bomb attack in the New York and/or Washington D.C. area, that people elsewhere throughout the country would let down their guard.  But I know that wasn’t the case here in the Los Angeles area because of a small thing I observed.  As I traveled extensively on the freeways of Los Angeles, I noticed there were  Metro tow trucks scooping up stranded and abandoned vehicles as fast as they could.  Those tow drives usually work Monday through Friday during rush hour to keep traffic moving.  Over the weekend they were, in their own way, fighting potential terrorism.  I’m sure their mission was part of a much bigger plan that I wasn’t privy to, but by seeing that small sign of planning, I knew our leaders were as ready as they could be for the worst.


But that brings me to my previously posted blog.  I mentioned that I’m cognizant of, and vigilant for, the potential of a terrorist attack. Are you?   If not, please read my blog I first posted last year in November.  There ARE people here in this country plotting to kill Americans on the soil of the United States.  We DO become complacent.  That is what the terrorist forces of evil want from us.  Don’t give it to them.  Please read on.


iWatch – Do You Watch?

Some time ago the Los Angeles Police Department started a program called iWatch.  Its purpose is to provide a way for the public in Los Angeles to report suspicious activity that may be related to terrorist activities.

In light of the recent events of packages containing explosives being mailed from Yemen to the United States, it’s imperative that, as a nation, everyone be diligent about watching for, and reporting, possible terrorist related activities.

Here are some tips for you to keep in mind.  While these suggestions were created for the iWatch program in L.A., they make perfect sense no matter where you live.

TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS
We rely on our senses every day of our lives.  If a behavior or activity makes you feel uncomfortable, report it.  Here are a couple of examples of suspicious activities reported by citizens that saved lives:

If it doesn’t LOOK right, report it. A video store clerk SAW anti-America material on a DVD he was asked to copy.  Police captured and arrested individuals planning a bomb attack.

If it doesn’t SMELL right, report it. A grandmother SMELLED bad odors from a neighboring apartment and noticed the empty apartment was frequented by various people.  Police discovered a poison gas factory.

If it doesn’t SOUND right, report it. Residents were concerned with a person’s threats of violence.  Police captured and arrested a group planning a subway attack.

IMPORTANT PLACES TO WATCH
You should be aware of your surroundings all the time, but here are some places to be especially vigilant.  Government buildings, religious facilities, amusement parks, sports/entertainment venues, high-rise buildings, parades, fairs and other mass-gathering locations, schools, hotels, theaters, shopping malls, bridges, and public transportation.

WHAT SHOULD I REPORT
Give as many details as you can.  Here are some of the things we’d like to know.  The time of day, where it happened, what you witnessed.  We’d also like a description of who was involved – male or female, how tall, build, hair color, skin color, and age.  Was there a car?  Provide a license plate number if you’re able to.  Have you seen this activity in your neighborhood before?

HOW DO I REPORT?

Nationally:

You can file an online report at https://tips.fbi.gov/
Call 911 for an emergency
In Southern California:

You can file an online report at the joint Regional Intelligence Center website at www.jric.org
Or you can call JRIC at (562) 345-1100
Call 911 for an emergency

In Los Angeles:

Report online at www.iWATCHLA.org
Call 1-877 – A –THREAT (1-877-284-7328)
Call 911 for an emergency

The prevention of terrorist activity is everyone’s business, so do your part because iWatch, and  you need to watch too!

Until next time,

KMA 367

13 thoughts on “Did You Notice?”

  1. Hi Kathy. Thanks so much for posting this. I would rather get this information as this is relevant to what goes on everyday. I live in a small rural community and these tips help.

  2. Always good to be reminded. It’s too easy to look the other way, or dismiss your suspicions as an overactive imagination. With a kid going into NYC several days a week, it’s always on my mind.

    You should have seen the law enforcement presence Friday during the San Diego blackout. They were everywhere – for which I was very grateful.

  4. Very good reminders and I’d like to add that just because someone doesn’t look the way we currently expect a terrorist to look, i.e. dark skinned and in robes, doesn’t mean his/her suspicious behavior should be overlooked. Timothy McViegh was an ex-army Ranger who killed 167 people and injured another 684 in the deadliest terrorist attack in the USA before 9-11. Our home grown fanatics are still with us even when our attention is focused on those who wish us ill from the outside.

    Thank you Kathy

  6. I learned at the Citizens Police Academy that there are two counties in my state that have the largest potential to contain terrorists. Guess who lives in the second most one?

    Here on the eastcoast, we are told “See something, say something.”

    Know how we measure the terror alert at the water front? When the patrol boats go by: 1) are the guns out? 2) are the guns covered?

    This is life since 9/11.

  8. Hi Chantale!

    Welcome!

    You know, I kind of worry about rural America feeling that terrorism can’t be alive and well in their neck of the woods (no pun intended).

    I think ALL Americans must be vigilant. You just never know when something you see, hear, or smell will be important.

    Thank you for visiting my blog and commenting. I hope you’ll return another time.

  9. Hi Roz!

    Welcome back!

    As a mother, I think I’d be calling my daughter a couple of times a day if she was in NYC. As if moms don’t have enough to worry about with a young girl in the big bad city!

    That whole situation could have gone bad in so many ways…glad it didn’t and you were safe.

  10. Hi Christine!

    Welcome!

    That’s what I try to do here. Provide information and maybe make you think of things you’ve never thought about.

    Unless I’m talking about something completely different ;-)

    Thank you for your comments and I hope you’ll stop by again!

  11. Hi Maria!

    Welcome back.

    What you said is exactly correct. As hard as it is for us to believe, there ARE Americans who are plotting against the United States and are out to make their point using violence. That is why it’s important for EVERYONE to be vigilant.

    Thanks for your timely comment and for stopping by.

  12. Hi ‘Other’ Pat!

    Welcome back.

    I heard the term ‘see something – say something’ for the first time over the weekend. I think it’s the perfect phrase for what we’re talking about.

    I think a lot of people see stuff that makes them uneasy, then dismiss it with, ‘Oh, it’s probably nothing. The police will think I’m nuts if I call about this.’

    Please report suspicious activity!

    Good observation on the guns on the boats being covered or not. Head elsewhere when they’re uncovered!

    Thanks for your comments and for stopping by.

  13. Hi Marilyn!

    Welcome back.

    Ah, as a kid, there was nothing more scary than when they tested those air raid horns once a month on Fridays. But you know, those signals opened up dialogue between my parents and us kids about WWII and why we had those horns in our neighborhood.

    It’s my opinion parents need to talk to their children about terrorism/disasters IN AN AGE APPROPRIATE way.