Tulsa apartment residents getting a letter 'terrorist warning' letter

Wednesday, May 22nd 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

The FBI released information this week indicating Al-Queda leaders have discussed plans to possibly terrorize our nation again. This time apartment complexes in Green Country are on alert.

News on Six reporter Patrina Adger says if you live in an apartment complex, you'll probably see a letter on your door soon. It's a letter from the National Apartment Association warning residents of possible terror attacks.

The National Apartment Association received a notice from the FBI this week, stating there's a possibility al-Queda leaders will rent apartment units in various parts of the United States and rig them with explosives.

While the FBI says there's no indication that this general threat will be carried out, regional apartment manager Becky Weaver says she wants apartment residents to be on guard. "It's just a matter of getting the information out there and letting people be aware of it and know what steps they can to take to help themselves and to help us."

Sporting events, amusement parks and shopping malls have all been subject to terrorist threats since September 11th. A grim reminder that it can happen anywhere. "The terrorists have had 10 years to prepare their infrastructure, we're responding in nine months; we have to play catch up." Author Steven Emerson has spent more than a decade educating the public about terrorism. "The government feels an obligation to discharge information less to be accused after the fact that they're holding it sort of in a no win situation. If the government evaluate the threats how can we do it in the public."

But Weaver says the latest terrorist notice is a refresher course for apartment managers in Tulsa to follow specific policies when screening potential residents. And for residents to be aware of their neighbors and their surroundings. "Don't give our gate access codes to anyone, don't accept packages for neighbor, to report any suspicious activity immediately and to call the police immediately and to notify us."

Becky Weaver says there's no cause for alarm or panic but the letter is just to inform.