"Alert not alarmed" and "prepared not scared" were two of the slogans suggested by Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi at a press conference on Thursday, March 20. Mr. Suozzi called the meeting to announce the county's preparedness efforts now that the country is at war. In a show of solidarity he was joined by Police Commissioner James Lawrence, Director of Emergency Management Richard O'Kane, Commissioner of Health David Ackerman, Legislature Presiding Officer Judy Jacobs, Hempstead Supervisor Kate Murray, Oyster Bay Town Supervisor John Venditto, North Hempstead Deputy Supervisor Tony D'Urso, Glen Cove Mayor Maryann Holzkamp and several village mayors.

Stressing that Nassau County had received "no specific threat," the county executive said, "We stand ready, with all Americans, in support of our president and the men and women who are risking their lives in the Iraqi conflict. Residents should continue with their daily routines. Nassau County is ready and prepared for any retaliation that may come as a result of the war."

At the press conference, Mr. Suozzi stressed three categories of emergency readiness - prevention, communication and preparedness. Under the heading of prevention, Mr. Suozzi told the public to call 911 or Crimestoppers at 1-800-244 TIPS if they see "anything unusual." He did say that among the locations considered vulnerable are utility plants, water districts and railroad stations.

Under the heading of preparedness, Police Commissioner James Lawrence said that his department has identified 120 vulnerable locations which will have additional police protection. He also said there are six "highly vulnerable" locations. Although he declined to identify those locations when asked by a reporter, he did say that residents should not be surprised to see police in heavy duty gear, bearing heavy duty weapons at these sites.

Commissioner Ackerman said that the Department of Hospitals has been preparing for emergencies for more than a year. He also said that the hospitals have enlisted the help of water districts to do continual monitoring of their water supply. "My own staff is on alert standby," he said. The Nassau County Department of Health maintains a general information referral line from 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. at 571-3410.

Under the heading of "communication," Mr. Suozzi said that county agencies and officials have been receiving daily briefings from the White House, New York State and New York City. The county, in turn, has been reaching out to all levels of government as well as volunteer fire departments in an effort to coordinate resources if called upon.

Oyster Bay Supervisor John Venditto agreed that "communication is the key." He added that a week ago he had attended a sendoff of one of his constituents to Iraq. "Regardless of how you may feel," he said, "be supportive of our men and women in the military." Hempstead Supervisor Kate Murray thanked County Executive Suozzi for holding the joint news conference. "At times like this," she said, "politics takes a back seat. We have to work together to address disaster and pray to God it never happens." In his turn, Deputy Supervisor D'Urso pledged cooperation of his town. Mr. D'Urso has been representing Supervisor May Newburger who is recovering from a hip operation.

At the end of the news conference, Mr. Suozzi said, "I want to send a very clear message. There has been no specific threat, but we are well prepared and alert. We ask for your cooperation."