Attorney General John Ashcroft and Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge raised the nation's terrorist advisory to the second-highest level on Friday. The nation may be at \high-risk,"" but Madison officials said the Code Orange warning will have little effect on the community.
According to Ashcroft, the advisory level was raised because intelligence reported that the al Qaeda terrorist network may attempt to attack Americans across the world around the time of Hajj, the Muslim holiday ending in the middle of February.
""Recent intelligence reports suggests that al Qaeda leaders have emphasized planning for attacks on apartment buildings, hotels and other soft or lightly secured targets in the United States,"" the attorney general said Friday.
According to Ashcroft, recent discovery of the chemical ricin pointed to the terrorist network's intentions to use chemical and biological weapons in an attack.
Ridge has called upon federal, state and local agencies to heighten security in coming weeks including new travel restrictions around airports and federal facilities.
Ridge said individuals should continue their daily lives, but encouraged families to devise a disaster plan in case of an emergency.
Nancy Strassburg, communications manager for the Badger Chapter of the Red Cross, said the Red Cross has always encouraged disaster plans, and the heightened security level does not change regular Red Cross procedures.
""Emergencies happen all the time,"" she said. ""Whether it be terrorist-related or a natural disaster, we are simply re-encouraging residents to be prepared.""
Strassburg cited a number of ways individuals and families can prepare in light of a disaster, such as creating communication strategies in case of separation and stocking up on food and water.
Sgt. Jane Stoklasa of the Madison Police Department said they have not been given any information other than to continue to be aware of any place that could be subject to any problem or attack.
This marks the second time this year that Madison has been labeled Code Orange.
