Saturday, February 15, 2003

He's Going to Close The State Library

But Jeb has money for this crap?




TALLAHASSEE -- The state is launching a series of television and radio commercials urging residents to develop "personal security plans" for homes and businesses to cope with a terrorism attack.

The commercials, which were recorded at Orlando's Disney studios and will begin airing this weekend, include dramatic music and begin with an announcement, "Advisories are at their highest levels."

They then list tips, such as arranging a family meeting place in case of an emergency and avoiding public gathering places that might be potential targets.

Gov. Jeb Bush, who announced the campaign Friday, said he is not concerned the messages will alarm residents.

"There's no cause for panic," Bush said, adding that the messages are "not dissimilar to what we do for hurricane preparedness."

The warnings echo national alerts that terrorist threats have risen to level orange, second-highest on the federal scale, and that people should be prepared to protect their families. That has prompted some to stock up on food, water and other supplies.

Bush said families should prepare and discuss their plans together.

Bush, 50, compared these preparations to Cold War-era drills when he and other children hid under school desks to practice for nuclear attack, although he added, "Obviously, in retrospect, that wouldn't have done much good."