Chief of Police Michael J. Herbst prepared a written statement, which can be accessed through the UH-Clear Lake Web site, providing information in regard to what students should do in case of a terrorist attack or any other emergency.

Herbst's letter states that the most important thing for everyone to do is to keep a lookout for suspicious activity and to keep an emergency kit at home, supplied with three days worth of food and water, clothing, toilet paper, a battery powered radio and a first-aid kit.

Herbst's team of officers are also prepared if any security issues arise.

"We are in constant contact with the Joint Terrorist Task Force, Harris County Emergency Management and the local police force," Herbst said. " We have worked through different scenarios and I am confident that the security procedures that we have put in place will provide the highest quality of security for our campus."

Along with the letter to students, Herbst has issued a terrorist preparation letter for the campus with information from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Included in this letter is a list of emergency Web sites and phone numbers for the Texas state contact for Homeland Security, Poison Center, National Weather Service and the Houston office of the American Red Cross.

Other information on the terrorism preparation and disaster list includes what to do before, during and after an incident occurs. A detailed supply kit checklist that provides the essentials for any sudden situation is included.

This document can be printed out and provides blanks where personal information can be written down for emergencies.

UH-Clear Lake is also working on a draft called Shelter in Place that will be included in the official crisis management plan for the campus.

Shelter in Place details what would be done in the event of a chemical disaster in the surrounding community.

"If a chemical attack or other chemical emergency occurred at one of the surrounding plants, the first thing that would be done is to shut down the ventilation," said Pamela Groves, environmental health and safety officer.

After shutting off the air vents, the procedures indicate that a public address would be issued stating that a shelter in place has been issued and all rooms that do not contain windows, skylights or exterior walls would be the ideal places to stay.

Along with campus security, the American Red Cross has issued free informational pamphlets containing family disaster plans, disaster supply checklists and terrorism preparation manuals.

These can be picked up at the Red Cross South Bay Area Branch, 1300 A Bay Area Blvd.

The American Red Cross hotline at 1(806) GETINFO, or www.Houstonredcross.org, also provides information about handling disasters.

If any local disasters occur, contact the police hotline at (281) 283-2221, or go online at www.cl.uh.edu/police.

The letter from Chief Herbst can be accessed by going to www.cl.uh.edu and clicking on the highlighted information on the right-hand side of the screen.

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