Y2K Terrorism:
Personal Security Recommendations
Dateline: 12/25/99
Updated: 12/30/99
| "What I would say to the American
people ... is that we know that at the millennium, a lot of people who may even be a
little crazy by our standards, or may have a political point to make, may try to take
advantage of it." -- President Clinton |
As threats of Y2K-related terrorism against Americans multiply, so do security measures being take by government agencies and law enforcement officials. While government agencies continue to urge citizens not to panic or drastically alter holiday plans due to these threats, they do recommend exercising extra vigilance through mid-January, 2000.
The following list summarizes recommended security procedures for Americans living both inside the US and abroad that should be followed through mid-January, 2000:
(If additional security alerts or recommendations are issued they will be listed here as soon as possible.)
All Americans Should:
- Watch out for unguarded or unattended packages in public places.
- Be suspicious of any unexpected packages delivered to you, especially if sent from address in Germany. (FBI Press Release of 12/23/99)
- Be suspicious of strange vehicles, especially vans or utility vehicles, parked near your place of work or business.
- Primary concern is now (as of 12/27/99) focused on possible disturbances to Year 2000 celebrations in US cities of New York, Washington, D.C., and Seattle, WA. Tight security measures are being planned at these locations.
- Late Monday (12/27/99), Seattle announced the cancellation of the city's New Year's celebration. [Other security measures being taken.]
If you are flying during the period:
- Expect delays. Arrive well before departure time, especially for international flights.
- Avoid wrapping gifts before boarding your plane. You may be required to unwrap them by security.
- Take extra care in filling out customs declaration forms.
- Reduce your baggage if possible.
- Be prepared for extra security like explosive-sniffing dogs, extra metal and x-ray inspections, challenges to your identification, and luggage searches. Security and delays will be greatest at US points of entry.
Americans Living or Traveling Abroad Should:
- Avoid large crowds and gatherings.
- Keep a low profile.
- Avoid publicly announcing your travel plans and vary your routes and times of travel.
- Regularly monitor Consular Information Program Internet web sites for the latest information.
- Upon entering a foreign country, register with the U.S. embassy or consulate.
- Be prepared with food, water, and needed medical supplies. U.S. embassies and consulates do not have facilities to provide private U.S. citizens abroad with food, water, fuel, medicines, shelter or other equipment and supplies in the event of disruptions of essential services in foreign countries.
- If you have an existing medical condition, you should carefully consider the advisability of overseas travel during this period.
- Your supply of medications should be sufficient to last for the anticipated duration of travel.
- Make sure all visas and passports are up to date.
- Carry travelers checks as well as credit cards.
- Consider purchasing trip cancellation insurance.
- Obtain written confirmation of reservations.
- Review your security practices and remain vigilant to your surroundings and exercise caution.
Specific Country Cautions & Warnings
(Related to Y2K - for all other travel warnings, see Travel Warnings and Information Sheets
from the State Department)
Pakistan - Public Announcement issued 12/23/99
Russia - Travel Warning issued 10/29/99
Other Countries (State Department)
Sources: US State Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation
Related Resources
What's Being Done About Y2K Security
Across the US and around the world, governments are taking steps to keep us safe.Some Fed Web Sites Will Be Down For Y2K
To keep out Y2K hackers, these government sites are just going to pull the switch for a while.
Travel Warnings and Consular Information Sheets - State Department
Travel Warnings are issued when the State Department decides, based on all relevant information, to recommend that Americans avoid travel to a certain country. Countries where avoidance of travel is recommended will have Travel Warnings as well as Consular Information Sheets.
State Department Office of Counterterrorsim
First, make no concessions to terrorists and strike no deals;
Second, bring terrorists to justice for their crimes;
Third, isolate and apply pressure on states that sponsor terrorism to force them to change their behavior; and
Fourth, bolster the counterterrorism capabilities of those countries that work with the U.S. and require assistance.Terrorism Research Center
Essays and thought pieces on current issues, as well as links to other terrorism documents, research and resources.
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