2000-139A - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

w 40 40 recent years, it is recognized that the state has many critical and high-profile facilities, high concentration of population, and other potentially attractive venues for terrorist activity that are inherently vulnerable to a variety of terrorist methods. Governmental/political, transportation, commercial, infrastructure, cultural, academic, research, military, athletic, and other activities and facilities constitute ideal targets for terrorist attacks which may cause catastrophic levels of property and environmental damage, injury, and loss of life. Furthermore, a variety of extremist groups are known to operate within Florida, and potential terrorist attacks have been investigated and averted in recent years (Florida Department of Community Affairs, 1998). Acts of terrorism are also capable of creating disasters which threaten the safety of a large number of citizens. The U.S. has been relatively untouched by the storm of terrorist activities experienced in other parts of the world; however, in recent years, an increasing incidence of terrorism has been recorded in this nation. The federal government has recognized that the U.S. has entered the post -Cold War era. As a result, federal planning guidelines regarding military threats are in transition. However, nuclear weapons continue to be a serious planning concern especially in areas surrounding military installations. The influx of undocumented aliens into south Florida from areas unfriendly to the interest of the U.S. are monitored by those involved with the emergency management of government. 2) Computer Accidents and Sabotage The President's Commission on Critical Infrastructure Protection (PCCIP) recently reported that there is increasing threat that the U.S. could suffer something similar to an "Electronic Pearl Harbor" Rubin, 1998). Networked information systems present new security challenges in addition to the Indian River County Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan Basic Page 35