Health Dept. Urges NYC Hospitals To Prepare for Imminent Cyanide/Nerve Gas Attacks

NY Channel 7 ^ | Feb 13. 2003 | Jeff Rossen

[ewing]

If city cops are on edge, they have got good reason. Law Enforcement and city hosptials have been told that the thread of a cynaide attack or something similar is an immediate danger here in New York City.

Hospitals across the city are keeping an eye on this new terror warning because of the specific language that the city health department is using. They are talking about a possible cynaide gas attack. All the hospitals in the city are now on 'Code Red' high alert.

George Tenet CIA Director: [This Threat] 'It points to a plot to occur at the end of the Hajj, which occurs late this week.'

The Hajj runs through Saturday and so the NYPD has increased the number of officers on counterterrorism assignments from 1,000 to more than 1,400.The health department notified hospitals it has mass antidotes on hand for cynanide and nerve gas poisining.

[Paulie]

Thanks for the heads-up, nicmarlo. I'm bracing for the possibility of some kind of attack although I can't really bring myself to go out to buy duct tape or stockpile an unusually large amount of food and water.

[katnip]

Thanks Nic.
I'm live 5 miles from NYC border and drive through Queens and the Bronx to work.
While I get nervous driving over the bridges now, I haven't let it stop me from going to work.

[WaveThatFlag]

On Metro North this morning, there was an announcement that police would be conducting random searches on Metro North trains. It asked riders to cooperate, given the heightened security concerns.

[firebrand]

Thanks for the ping, nicmarlo. My idea of relaxation during this frenzied time is to sit in Grand Central Terminal doing the crossword puzzle. Sometimes, people running through the station see me and slow down.

[stanz]

Thanks for the warning. I always look up since 9/11. Now I look left and right in the subway! I have been seeing many transit workers standing around in the subway stations with flashlights. Everybody's on edge.

[nicmarlo]

Will try to.

Prayers to you and yours and all who live "down there." : )

[nicmarlo]

I refuse to get paranoid.

Don't get paranoid, CM, just be watchful and careful....and if you go to the rally tomorrow....be extra careful. Stay safe, my friend who probably has capitalistic responsibilities tomorrow! : )

[nicmarlo]

I haven't bought anything (yet) either; although, I am thinking about food/water....nothing wrong with doing that. Even if something's wrong "somewhere else," it could still influence things up here. When I lived in CA, we had emergency food/water/blankets/medical/flashlights/battery operated radio/candles/food prep kit/plastic trash bags, etc., (and toys/things to occupy the kids), etc., for each person in the family for several days, in a new, clean large garage size plastic trash container that had a lid that could be fastened.....all in case of "the big" earthquake.......good to be prepared, at least somewhat, just in case.

[nicmarlo]

My idea of relaxation during this frenzied time is to sit in Grand Central Terminal doing the crossword puzzle. Sometimes, people running through the station see me and slow down.

: ) You be careful down there in Grand Central! Prayers that nothing happens so you can finish those crosswords.

[nicmarlo]

I'm so glad I don't have to think about driving over bridges.....but I do, truly, think about those who do...and those who work in Manhattan, or live nearby....it must be hard sometimes, when warning levels go up, or security is obviously increased without warning.....I pray one day soon, that this will be nothing but a bad memory.....not forgotten, but not so close beside us.

[katnip]

.....I pray one day soon, that this will be nothing but a bad memory.....not forgotten, but not so close beside us.

Me too Nic. My kid is becoming scared and it makes me angry.

[conservativemusician]

You know how it goes.

All work and no play makes CM a dull boy.

I'm feeling pretty dull these days!LOL

[Constitutional Patriot]

Has anyone considered the possibility that all the "chatter" about a subway attack is a diversion? If we are all looking for trouble in the NY/DC subways, perhaps the terrorists are planning on hitting us where we are not looking.