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(Lincoln, NE) Gov. Dave Heineman and Lt. Gov. Rick Sheehy, Nebraska’s Director of Homeland Security, are asking Nebraskans to raise their levels of awareness and vigilance, but are urging calm in response to today’s targeted increase of the national threat level from yellow (elevated alert) to orange (high alert). Orange is the second-highest level below red.
Federal officials have targeted the increased threat level to mass transit systems, including buses, subway systems and light rail transportation. The alert excludes commercial air, rail and maritime services.
Gov. Heineman said, “The information we received gives us no indication of impending terrorist activity against any person or place in Nebraska. However, we are closely monitoring all mass transit systems in our state under the parameters of the announced federal threat level, and we continue to communicate with U.S. Department of Homeland Security officials.”
Lt. Gov. Sheehy and other state officials participated in a morning conference call with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and his counterparts across the nation. He has been in communication with Gov. Heineman throughout the morning.
Lt. Gov. Sheehy said, “We take any change in the threat level seriously. The events in London highlight the importance of a rapid but measured response in any emergency situation.”
Al Berndt, assistant director of the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) said, “Here in Nebraska, the heightened alert will primarily affect bus systems. We will be vigilant, but other than additional monitoring of mass transit systems, there are no extraordinary measures required at this time.”
Col. Bryan Tuma, superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol, said, “With an elevation in the threat level, the State Patrol will increase surveillance around critical public transportation infrastructure in Nebraska and will continue to monitor and evaluate security measures. We also are in communication with private sector transportation providers.”
In response to the increased alert, Lt. Gov. Sheehy and NEMA officials are coordinating communication with state and local emergency managers.
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