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Local Official Urges More Preparation for Terrorist Attacks

... some worry not enough attention is being paid to potential terrorist attacks. ... to be a terrorist group and may include nuclear, chemical or biological weapons ...
27 Sep 2005

WASHINGTON - Hurricanes Katrina and Rita have prompted area officials to take a new look at emergency plans, but some worry not enough attention is being paid to potential terrorist attacks.

D.C. Transportation Director Dan Tangherlini says evacuation plans are important, but terrorism should take a higher priority, "Our threats are more likely to be a terrorist group and may include nuclear, chemical or biological weapons."

Tangherlini says the most likely situation would be a limited evacuation of the city following a terrorist attack. In his view, more people need to get the message that they will need to stay put if such an attack ever happens.

He also says, however, that this does not mean the area shouldn't plan for an evacuation. Currently, his department is looking into how buses could be used to get people out of the District.

Tangherlini says local leaders need to have flexible plans that will address varying types of threats.

(Copyright 2005 by WTOP Radio. All Rights Reserved.)

WTOP's Mitchell Miller reports.