"Heightened Awareness"
What Does This Mean for Foster City and You?

Although you may feel overwhelmed with information about terrorism in the aftermath of the September 11 tragedy, we hope you will take a few minutes to read this article. You may know more about what is going on in New York, Washington D.C., and Afghanistan than you do about local activities helping to keep Foster City residents, businesses and visitors safe and healthy in these challenging times. Foster City's public safety officials would like to share some information about our local efforts with you.

First and foremost, the risk of terrorist acts occurring in Foster City is very low. However, in light of recent events occurring in other parts of the United States, "heightened awareness" is appropriate as you go about your daily lives in our community. You may be asking, "What does heightened awareness mean for me?" Think of the three "C's" --

• Stay Calm -- There is no need for panic.
• Be Cautious -- Observe your surroundings and report unusual circumstances to the Police.
• Use Common Sense -- Stay informed and use good judgement in evaluating risks to your family, your business or employer, and yourself.

For your local government, "heightened awareness" means using the emergency preparedness systems and procedures that are already in place and practiced regularly in San Mateo County. Through shared service agreements, Foster City has ready access to a well-equipped and highly trained hazardous materials response team and participates in a nationally recognized county-wide emergency medical response system.

Your City is prepared, and we want to be too. Like your City's emergency responders, you can prepare for emergencies in advance by securing supplies and developing and practicing procedures for your family or business to follow regardless of the specific nature of the emergency. Our Fire Department has an excellent publication to assist you with family, business and personal emergency preparedness. You may download a copy of this guide from this site or pick up a copy at the Fire Station located at 1040 E. Hillsdale Blvd., behind City Hall.

The City also has developed some specific information to assist residents and businesses in understanding local procedures for identifying and handling suspicious packages or letters. A copy of this flyer is available at City Hall. Please call 650-286-3200 to request a copy.

Public safety official ask that you not bring suspicious packages or letters to the Police or Fire Departments. Dial 9-1-1 and properly trained and equipped emergency responders will come to you. However, it is important that you remember the three "C's" noted above and help us avoid overloading the emergency response systems with "false alarms."

Foster City's municipal workforce of over 230 individuals is proud to serve this community in good times and bad. Protecting the health and safety of Foster City is our number one priority. With your help, our community will continue to flourish. We look forward to working with you in this important civic endeavor.