Henry raises security threat level in state

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ Gov. Brad Henry raised the Oklahoma Homeland Security Threat Level to ``high'', or orange, Friday to match an increase with the national terror alert level. <br><br>The national

Saturday, February 8th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ Gov. Brad Henry raised the Oklahoma Homeland Security Threat Level to ``high'', or orange, Friday to match an increase with the national terror alert level.

The national level was raised because of U.S. intelligence warning of a ``high risk'' of terrorist attack, federal officials said.

The change in Oklahoma was made after discussions with U.S Homeland Security Director Tom Ridge and Oklahoma Homeland Security Director Bob Ricks, Henry said.

``The elevation of our threat level was triggered by the national alert, not by any information that indicated a threat specific to Oklahoma,'' said Henry.

``We're urging our citizens to be aware and expect to see a heightened level of security at various events and locations.''

The heightened federal alert status means Tulsa International Airport and Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City officials will search vehicles that approach the terminals, the Tulsa Airport Authority said.

Ricks also said Oklahomans should increase their level of awareness.

``Citizens are encouraged to be vigilant in their observations, acutely aware of their surroundings and to immediately report anything out of the ordinary to local law enforcement,'' Ricks said.

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