Terrorism

California’s population, industrial infrastructure, economic importance, international reputation, media industry, and numerous iconic features combine to make the state a potential target for both domestic and international terrorist attacks. Terrorists typically exploit vulnerabilities caused by technological hazards, and their attacks may include hazardous materials, biological agents that result in epidemics, or attempts to damage the state’s critical infrastructure, including cyber attacks which pose potentially devastating disruptions to essential communications such as voice, email, and Internet connectivity.

National Terrorism Advisory System

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) determines the National Terrorism Advisory System threat and preparedness level. This system communicates information about threats to the public, government agencies, transportation agencies, and the private sector. Current alert messages can be found here.

The Department of Homeland Security provides the following general guidelines:

• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Take precautions when traveling. Be aware of conspicuous or unusual behavior. Do not accept packages from strangers. Do not leave luggage unattended. Report unusual behavior, suspicious or unattended packages, and strange devices immediately to security personnel.
• Be prepared to do without everyday services and comforts – electricity, telephone, natural gas, gasoline pumps, cash registers, ATMs, and Internet transactions.