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Article published Dec 23, 2003
S.C. tightens security during high-alert terror
threat
AMY GEIER EDGAR
Associated
Press
COLUMBIA -- The state's airports, ports and nuclear plants
have stepped up their security in response to the federal government's national
terror alert warning, officials said Monday.State Law Enforcement Division Chief
Robert Stewart said the public will notice more law enforcement around the
state's airports and ports. But Stewart noted that there has been no specific
threat to South Carolina."We encourage citizens to go about their regular
day-to-day activities, but keep their eyes open," Stewart said Monday.Tom Ridge,
secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, on Sunday announced that the
government was elevating the national terror alert warning to "Code Orange." The
upgrade from "Code Yellow," or "elevated" status, followed warnings that the
terrorist organization al-Qaida may be plotting attacks against the United
States during the holidays. The new designation indicates a high risk.In
response to the warning, Stewart said he has been in contact with Ridge, as well
as the FBI and the state's joint terrorism task force.The state's emergency
operations center is working at Opcon 4, which is one step higher than the daily
operation level, Stewart said.The state ports stepped up security this weekend
in response to the Coast Guard security warning, State Ports Authority spokesman
Byron Miller said.The agency has increased inspections of cargo and vehicles
entering the facility, increased surveillance and has been conducting more
waterside patrols, Miller said.The Savannah River Site nuclear plant also has
"gone to a heightened state of security," but officials would not discuss what
changes had been made, spokesman Will Callicott said.The Department of Health
and Environmental Control, which monitors health and medical services and
hazardous materials, is coordinating with other agencies and has put agency
officials on alert in case of an attack, spokesman Jim Beasley said.Airports
across the state are continuing with security checkpoints and bag checks. The
Columbia Metropolitan Airport has posted signs alerting travelers that the
nation is at a heightened level of security, airport spokeswoman Kerry Stockman
said.Stewart said he wants the public to continue to be vigilant.In Greenville
on Monday, the Family Court was evacuated after a clerk received a suspicious
package. Police say the package raised concern because it was addressed to a
person who doesn't work at the court.The building was evacuated and the package
X-rayed. Authorities determined it was a Christmas package sent to the wrong
address.Stewart said the public has always been good about alerting law
enforcement in such situations and wants that to continue, whatever the terror
alert level."We've been to the orange level before," Stewart said. "We don't
want to overdo it, but we don't want to underdo it either."