Missile Launchers Positioned in D.C.

WTOP News ^ | 02/10/2003 | WTOP News

[The Magical Mischief Tour]

Missile Launchers Positioned in D.C. Updated: Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2003 - 12:10 PM EST.

Chas Henry, WTOP Radio

WASHINGTON - An increased level of protection for the region means you'll see missile launchers around the District to guard against the possibility of an air attack.

Shortly after the terror attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, the federal government surveyed the sorts of air defense systems available from a variety of agencies - for use here, or elsewhere in the country. The government then conducted experiments to determine how they could best work in concert with one another.

The missile launchers that can be seen from the South Capitol Street bridge are the result of the government's planning efforts.

The protection measures would include Customs Service aircraft flying high, keeping track of air traffic over the metro area, Air National Guard fighter jets patrolling above and Army radar systems positioned alongside Avenger air defense missile systems mounted on HumVees.

The government put these measures in place during President Bush's January State of the Union message, then pulled them back. They went back into place when officials determined there was an increased likelihood for terrorist attacks and increased the nation's Homeland Security alert status from yellow to orange.

Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge said the latest terrorism alert represented "the most significant" such warning since the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks.

On the five-color alert scale, red is the highest, but no such terrorist warning level has yet been issued.

[Wingsofgold]

I'm beginnin ta see potential in these terrorist preparations. Almost as good as helpin lil neighbor wimmen prepare for hurricanes. heheheeeeeeee.

[blam]

Hey Wings, just come down to Dauphin Island. Nothing will bother that place.

[3D-JOY]

I remember reading a few weeks ago to go to the "highest" place in your home. It had to do with the gases being heavier than air.

Today it says the lowest. Wonder if that was the "old" rule?

[photogirl]

I had heard today that the molecular (sp?) structure of the molecules in a nuc, are to big to fit through the plastic. Not sure if this is true, and this science stuff is beyond me. (I'm more artsy, not so smartsy)

[Humidston]

Small world.... I used to live in FM 1960 area. Moved out to Magnolia - waaay back in the woods.

I agree with you. If anyone shows up at our doorstep, we'll just make do with what we have. (Except of course, for the secret stash under the bed... ;-)

[Michael Barnes]

re #148

I'm (almost) in the same boat with ya. It's durn cold here. Not alot of options really..Keep a blazingly hot fire going? Deplete your oxygen? I have some down blankets and the like...Just gotta wait and see now.

[Wingsofgold]

I've seen a couple of announcements that say get a few hundred, 2 or 3 I think. The folks around here are sayin 3. What I have noticed, they aren't sayin anything about guns. Ringy says they haven't mentioned gettin your Bibles, either.

[blam]

"Get yourself one of those butane heaters, propane heaters, patio heaters, something that's small, portable, and runs on something other than electricity. Kerosene heaters."

I can see it now. A lot of people will be asphixated(sp), make sure all those gas heaters are properly vented or you'll kill yourself. I just bought a First Alert gas detector the other day for around $20.00.

[photogirl]

But if I'm all sealed up won't I run out of air? Heaters will eat up air in no time right? Hum..freeze to death or glow, hard choice.

[My Favorite Headache]

Just read your profile...I hope all of this excitement isn't messing your asthma too much :)

[Wingsofgold]

Well if you are a she, just go ahead an have your lil fit. It's ok by me. Ringy's been so mad all week you can't look at her straight.:)But, we all got to have confidence in something and right about now, the Government is what we have standing between us and them. Grant you, first chance we get, we need to change some things in Goverment. Was I talkin like John Wayne? Thank ya mam. I admired him an saw every movie of his I could get to. :)

[3D-JOY]

I'll think about some cash then too.

I made up an emergency kit by expanding my hurricane kit.
Smith and Wesson is a part of it!

[photogirl]

Nah, it's not to bad, I just can't run 18 miles with a 80lbs backpack in the blazing hot sun. Or go near ferrets. Or L.A. Thanks for the concern! ;-)

[Wingsofgold]

Heheheeee. Spent most of my time exercisin my "pursuit of happiness" right, survival training was more of a personal nature. hehehehe.

[blam]

Thanks for all the info. So...how does that relate to the orange level, where we are presently.

I thought I was a pretty informed fellow until I started getting all these questions. I don't think the public has been very well educated for this situation. Huh?

[Experiment 6-2-6]

Hey dude.

I thought you were just lurking..

First duct tape comments, now annoying blam..

We have names for people like you...

[Joe Hadenuf]

Folks, I have to tell you. I am just dumbfounded that our federal government still hasn't figured it out, that we have to get our borders under contol.

Why control the borders? It's not like we have been attacked or are at war or anything.

Sarcasm..........

[Wingsofgold]

Yeah Baby, those things hafta be vented or you have to have an air source. Other things you can do safely, is get some of those -40 down sleeping bags, jackets, boots, gloves. Thermal underwear (they make silk ones), wool socks, boots. Stuff like our parents and Grandparents did. Feather beds, pillows, etc. You'll be surprised how warm you will be.

[Humidston]

See post #56. It was all innocent fun and no harm was intended.

[Wingsofgold]

Along with all that down stuff, sharing your body heat with someone always works. :) Makes everything better. Trust ole Wings on this one, Baby. heheheheeee.