Ball State and Muncie city officials have increased their awareness and communication after President Bush raised the terror alert to orange Monday and announced plans for a military strike against Iraq.
Though the orange alert has brought no noticeable effect to Ball State, a red alert could have greater consequences.
Public facilities, such as the university, are recommended to close during a red alert, according to the Department of Homeland Security.
However, it is up to President Blaine Brownell to decide to close the university, Dean of Students Randy Hyman said recently.
Government officials stressed that the key to being ready for a possible terrorist threat is being aware.
"We're looking at things more critically, and communicating with emergency and elected officials," said Bill Gosnell, director of Delaware County Emergency Management Agency.
Though he has been in constant contact with all city officials, it is up to each department and individual to be aware, Gosnell said.
"People should be alert and aware, and we advocate people should have an emergency kit and plan," Gosnell said.
Muncie Chief Deputy Terry Winters said while the country remains at the orange alert level, police officers will keep a closer watch on certain areas, such as utilities.
All police officers will be in uniform, including investigators, if the terror alert is raised to red, Winters said.
"If something happens, we're ready for it," Winters said. "We're more alert; more suspicious."
Little has changed at City Hall.
There are no plans to close City Hall, even during a red alert, unless instructed to do so by the state or federal government, Muncie Mayor Dan Canan said.
There are also no plans to close Muncie Community schools, said Bill Reiter, director of facilities and operations for the schools.
Reiter added that during the orange alert, principals have been reminded to review crisis management plans with faculty and each out-of-town field trip is being reviewed.
This will change if the alert is raised to red.
"Field trips, extra-curricular activities and practices will be canceled," Reiter said. "All non-school usage of facilities would be suspended."
School officials are also paying attention to the psychological needs of the students.
Reiter said that teachers and counselors are being sensitive to students, and they have been given information on how they should discuss the war with students.
While precautions are being taken, officials said there is little threat to Muncie.
"We do not have any specific information that says we're in danger," Gosnell said.
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
