(Columbia) Dec. 22, 2003 - Despite a terror alert level of "high," President Bush says Americans should "go about their lives" this holiday season. The president spoke after his homeland security chief said the evidence pointing to a possible strike by al-Qaida is the most serious since 9-11.
     
At a White House Hanukkah observance, Bush told reporters the government is doing everything it can to thwart such an attack. He praised government workers who'll be spending their holidays
protecting their fellow citizens.
     
Bush was briefed by Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge and other government experts on the reasons for the weekend decision to raise the national alert status to orange. That's the second-highest on the government's five-color scale.
     
Officials say there's specific intelligence that al-Qaida may soon attempt to pull off a coordinated attack in multiple places in a bid to cause mass casualties.

Gov. Sanford said Sunday that while additional security had been added at various locations throughout the state that there is no evidence to suggest that South Carolina is the target of any specific terrorist threats or that deploying members of the SC National Guard is necessary at this time.

While there is no specific terrorist threat to South Carolina, state law enforcement agencies are also preparing in case the worst happens.

Three of the possible terrorist targets in South Carolina could be the Savannah River site, which stores sensitive nuclear material; Charleston's port, which is the fourth busiest in the US; and the South Carolina state house, which stands as the center of government. All three have tighter security with the increased threat level.

SLED Chief Robert Stewart coordinates the state's homeland security. He says he has been in contact with Secretary Ridge. And that his office is in constant contact with the National Homeland Security Department.

Stewart says South Carolinians can expect to see more security at airports in the state. At Columbia Metropolitan Airport and airports across the country patrols have been beefed up, but so far it seems to be business as usual for passengers flying out.

The department of Homeland Security is also warning truck drivers to be alert. Federal agents say terrorists might try to hijack chemical or fuel trucks and use the trucks in an attack. They says terrorists could also target fuel and chemical production and storage locations.

Stewart urges everyone to go about their regular holiday activities, but to be aware and report suspicious activity to law enforcement.

Updated 10:04pm by BrettWitt