FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                       July 21, 2005

Release M-54

CITY REMAINS VIGILANT IN WAKE OF HOMELAND SECURITY ALERT

            (LOS ANGELES) -- Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann today reassured residents that the Honolulu Police Department, Oahu Civil Defense, and other public safety agencies are remaining on alert, following a second wave of transportation bombings in London.

            Hannemann said, “Since the nation was placed on heightened alert, our police have been patrolling our bus baseyards and stepped up their scrutiny of public transportation facilities.  They will continue to be vigilant, as will our civil defense, fire, and ambulance personnel.

            “However, we also ask that members of the public serve as the eyes and ears for our law enforcement officials, and report promptly any suspicious activity.  Only with the public’s cooperation will we be able to respond effectively to any threats to our safety and security.”

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Contact:  Jeff Coelho, 523-4141

REISSUE (Originally issued on July 7, 2005)                                             

Be informed and have a plan for action when riding public transportation:

• Familiarize yourself with bus
• Know the location of emergency exits on bus
• Inform bus operator of any suspicious packages, substances or activities
• In an emergency situation remain calm and listen for bus or public announcements
• Do not prevent bus doors from closing
• Follow instructions given by TheBus employees. Proceed in an orderly fashion.

Be on the alert for suspicious objects or substances. If you spot an unattended package or object, look for the following:

• Placement in an out-of-the-way location
• Individuals in the act of abandoning the object, package or substance and quickly leaving the area
• Objects with unusual items attached such as batteries, wires, tanks, bottles or bags
• An attached message or note
• A suspicious cloud, mist, gas, vapor, odor or seeping fluid
• Nearby individuals showing signs of illness or distress.

Do NOT confront suspicious individuals or touch suspicious objects, packages or substances. Contact the bus driver or call 911. If possible, use a landline phone to report a suspicious object, package or substance.

Personal preparedness tips:

• Create an advanced plan for maintaining contact with family members if separated as a result of an emergency
• Create an advanced plan for maintaining contact with close friends and co-workers during an extended emergency period
• Keep a record of all contact and emergency information and update it regularly as needed
• Select a location outside your home as a family meeting point should your home need to be evacuated
• Identify alternate routes and means of reaching your meeting point in the event your main route is impassable
• Keep a local map handy for reference
• Make sure your emergency information and contact numbers are with you at all times.

BE INFORMED. BE INVOLVED. BE ALERT. BE PREPARED.

 See www.honolulu.gov/ocda/   or   www.honolulu.gov/csd/publiccom/    or    www.thebus.org