While most travelers are preoccupied with their search for cheap travel options, including, but not limited to cheap airplane tickets, discount hotel rooms, and cheap vacation packages, increased public participation is key to everyones safety.
The recent Boston Marathon bombings have made travelers more aware of suspicious people and packages on city buses, subways, Amtrak trains, airports, and public spaces.
The fact that Americas airports have become so secure means that potential terrorists will tend to go after softer targets, such as public events like the Boston Marathon. It is impossible to provide the same level of security that has been implemented at airports at open public events.
Public vigilance is the best defense at public events. People need to be willing to call authorities when they see suspicious packages or people behaving suspiciously. In Israel when people see an unattended bag they respond immediately. Early detection has prevented many a tragedy there.
Security has been enhanced at transportation hubs as a result of what happened in Boston using measures both seen and unseen, according to the Department of Homeland Security. Americans are being urged to notify local law enforcement of any questionable activity.
Given that it impossible to make city buses and subways 100 percent secure, transit workers and public transportation riders need to be on the lookout for any possible threats and promptly report them.
Homeland Security realizes that while checkpoints and multi-layered security at airports make them safer, it does not make airports impenetrable. Airport safety involves much more than simply screening passengers before they enter an airports boarding area.
Regular security sweeps of parking garages need to be conducted. Vulnerabilities of air conditioning systems need review. Consideration of where trash cans are located in relation to passenger flows needs to be examined as well as whether they are blast resistant. Airport catering facilities, fuel farms, and airport workers need to be scrutinized.
Airports must know in advance what law enforcement agency is in charge during an emergency and the agencys plans to secure and evacuate sections of an airport in the event of an emergency. Simply sending passengers outside could make them an easy target.
Confusion is a terrorists best tool. Given that we live in a free society, we will always be vulnerable.
Average American citizens played a large role in capturing the remaining Boston Marathon bomber. Public awareness and willingness to contact law enforcement is our best chance to minimize future tragedies.
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