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How has your life changed or not changed since 9/11?

In terms of national security, do you feel safer post 9/11?

Security in a Post-9/11 World

Sarah K. Cron
CBNNews.com

CBNNews.com – NORFOLK, Va.- If Tom Rich had been traveling on Sept. 10, 2001, his young children could have watched his plane take off from the very gate it left. And they could have greeted him at that same gate when he returned home.

But today, in a post-9/11 world, they’d have to wait for him at baggage claim.

Air travel has changed forever.

One of the most immediate ripple effects in the weeks after the Sept. 11 attacks were lengthened security lines at airports across America. Two to three hour waits through security became norm. Every piece of luggage was scrutinized. And only those with a ticket to ride were allowed past the newly federalized transportation security officers.

Less than 10 weeks after the attacks, the Transportation Security Administration was created, federalizing security operations in the nation’s transportation systems, including airports, railways, ports, highways, and other mass transit systems. Privatized security operations at commercial airports gave way to thousands of federal security personnel recruited to perform screening duties and other functions.

Just one year later, in 2002 the Department of Homeland Security was established by law to serve as the umbrella operation for all departments related to national security, including the TSA.

Are We Safer?
In a series of recent speeches, President Bush has reiterated that while America is safer than it was pre-9/11, it is still not safe. Even with federal air marshals patrolling the skies, and fighter jets ever on standby to escort troubled planes to the nearest landing, America still faces an ongoing threat of attack.

But in a January CNN/USAToday/Gallup poll, 51 percent of respondents said they did not believe a major terrorist attack was likely in the United States. That attitude, the President has hinted, may be based on a false sense of security.

On August 10, British authorities thwarted a 9/11-size terrorist plot to blow up several aircraft mid-flight between the United States and Britain, using explosives smuggled in liquid containers to be detonated with common electronic devices. This event highlighted the unrelenting resolve terrorists have to kill innocent civilians, despite efforts to make traveling secure.

While other terror attacks in London, Madrid and India prompted tighter security operations on passenger rails in America, Rich, a business consultant based in Jacksonville, Fla., is one of many frequent flyers who notice big differences in air travel. The recently foiled trans-Atlantic terror plot has prompted yet one more hitch in getting to his gate in time.

“It just takes longer to get through security,” he said. “I have to make sure I get to the airport early and to expect more delays. It’s been a real pain since the recent terror arrests. I can’t take toothpaste or contact lens solution. It’s definitely caused more of a hassle.”

But like many frequent flyers, the extra precaution is not something that bothers him.

“I certainly wouldn’t want them to sacrifice security just for my convenience,” he said.

According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, air travel dropped precipitously just after the Sept. 11 attacks. It took three years for the airline industry to recover, finally surpassing pre-9/11 levels in July 2004.

In the year following the attacks, many planes installed bulletproof, locked cockpit doors, securing the flight crew from the rest of the plane. Today, the extra security precautions may have helped in allaying people’s fears of flying. In a March Gallup poll, 53 percent of respondents said they were not really afraid of flying.

Rich, who flies an average of four to five times a year, said that although he was afraid to fly for a couple of months after 9/11, he doesn’t worry too much about it today.

Are We Prepared?
According to recent polls, 76 percent of respondents said the world is more dangerous today. But determining exactly how prepared local governments and individuals are can be difficult.

This year, the Department of Homeland Security conducted a nationwide review of state and local medical response capabilities, evacuation plans, and communication efforts.

“In general, we found that most states and urban areas were partially prepared but work still needs to be done,” said Jerrod Agen, DHS spokesman. “Since Sept. 11, a lot of areas have started in preparation planning, but there is still work to be done.”

The review is just snapshot of the preparedness landscape, Agen said. In addition, the DHS does have outreach programs and works with state and local authorities to promote emergency awareness among business and individuals.

“We do stress that it’s extremely important to have a plan in place,” Agen said. “It’s always important to have materials on hand and a communication plan in place before an emergency happens.”

The DHS states on its Web site that there are currently more than 1 million firefighters in the United States, as well as an estimated 436,000 sworn law enforcement personnel. There are also more than 155,000 certified emergency medical technicians across the United States.

“Every American has a personal responsibility to ensure that their family is prepared for the unexpected,” said Under Secretary for Preparedness George Foresman, in announcing September as National Preparedness Month. This is the third year the DHS has sponsored this effort to promote awareness.

Several state and local agencies across America have also hosted preparedness fairs and seminars, including most recently Oklahoma, Kentucky, and the city of Los Angeles.

Some companies, such as Wal-Mart, now promote personal preparedness both to its customers and to its employees. Though not specific to terror-related disasters, the Wal-Mart sponsored Web site Onestorm.org provides specific information to visitors wanting to know how to prepare for a disaster in their area.

“With 1.3 million associates working for us, that is a lot of families,” said Sharon Weber, a Wal-Mart spokeswoman. “The safety of our associates is a top priority.”

Since 2005, the proportion of Americans who said they have taken steps to prepare rose 10 points, from 45 percent to 55 percent, in a June study conducted by the Advertising Council.
But while the number of families ready for a disaster has increased since 2004, less than half of respondents – only 39 percent – said they have discussed a plan with their family.

As for Tom Rich and his family, he said they haven’t really discussed a communication plan in case of a terror threat while he’s in transit. But, they do have a general plan in case of an unexpected disaster.

“We do (have a plan) for our family at home, like where we will convene in case of an emergency, Rich said, who mentioned that they will meet at a relative’s house. “So. we have done some planning since 9/11.”

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