February 18, 2003

RELEASE IMMEDIATELY

CONTACT:
Angela Jones, Public Information Officer
City of Richmond / City Manager’s Office
(510) 621-1230

RICHMOND HOLDS PUBLIC MEETINGS TO PREPARE FOR RESPONDING TO HEIGHTENED TERROR ALERTS

Presentations will focus on business and residential community

A special taskforce directed by Richmond Police Chief Joseph Samuels will present information to business owners and residents on how to respond to the high threat levels issued by the U.S. Office of Homeland Security on Friday, February 21, 2003, in the City Council Chambers, Third Floor, 2600 Barrett Avenue.  The business community presentation will take place from 10 – 11:30 a.m.  A second presentation to the residential community will take place from 3:30 – 5:00 p.m.

The City’s Task Force on Emergency Readiness and Response will provide information regarding concerns expressed by the U.S. Office of Homeland Security about the potential focus on “soft” targets for terrorism such as hotels, public transportation, shopping centers, etc.  Task force members have begun making contact with security officials at various Richmond businesses to assist in assessing security procedures and precautions. The presentations are intended to ensure that businesses and residents have the necessary information to help emergency responders protect their safety.  The Richmond Police Department communicates daily with all branches of state, local and federal government responsible for counter-terrorism planning.

The Task Force on Emergency Readiness and Response was organized in October 2001 at the direction of City Manager Isiah Turner following the terror attacks in September 2001.  Chief Samuels heads the task force which consists of key staff who will act as first line responders in case of emergency or crisis.

For more information, please contact Angela Jones, Public Information Officer, at (510) 621-1230.