What is the USA Patriot Act?
Does the University System of Georgia have a homeland security Web site?
What is the Building Safety and Representative (BSSR) initiative?
When does Daylight Savings Time begin and end?
Where can I find information about identity theft and computer security?
When and why did the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) change to the U.S.Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)?
What can I do if I see something that is unusual or suspicious activity on campus?
Where can I get additional information about security issues?
What is being done to protect the University of Georgia community from bioterrorism?
What is bioterrorism?
Where can I get information about Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)?
What is terrorism and what are the seven signs of terrorism?
Should I be concerned about bioterrorism and what impact it has on my life?
What is the Homeland Security Advisory System?
USA PATRIOT ACT - H.R. 3162
(See http://www.whitehouse.gov/ for current information and updates to the Patriot Act.)
On October 26, 2001, President Bush signed the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism (USA PATRIOT ACT) Act of 2001 into law. The USA PATRIOT ACT broadly expands law enforcement's surveillance and investigative powers. A Table of Contents for the USA PATRIOT ACT is listed.
Title I: Enhancing Domestic Security Against Terrorism
Title II: Enhanced Surveillance Procedures
Title III: International Money Laundering Abatement and Anti-Terrorist Financing Act of 2001
Title IV: Protecting the Border
Title V: Removing Obstacles to Investigating Terrorism
Title VI: Providing for Victims of Terrorism, Public Safety Officers, and Their Families
Title VII: Increased Information Sharing for Critical Infrastructure Protection
Title VIII: Strengthening the Criminal Laws Against Terrorism
Title IX: Improved Intelligence
Title X: Miscellaneous
For detailed information on the USA PATRIOT ACT please visit the website http://www.epic.org/privacy/terrorism/hr3162.html.
Does the University System of Georgia have a homeland security Web site?
Yes. The purpose of this USG Web site is to provide centralized access to homeland security information applicable to the University System of Georgia (USG) institutions.
The USG Web site features resources to help the USG institutions stay informed of current issues, comply with homeland security regulations, and - most importantly - continue to provide a safe, secure environment for students and employees.
The Office of Security and Emergency Preparedness invites you to explore the USG link and others in the "Resource Links" section on this homepage. These links offer many tips and information on how you may lessen the effects of an emergency or disaster, as well as information on computer/information security.
What is the Building Safety and Representative (BSSR) initiative?
For a complete listing of FAQs, Policy, and registration for Building Safety and Security Representatives, visit the BSSR FAQs.
The University of Georgia (UGA) is committed to making the main campus and outlying facilities as safe as possible for students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Many steps have been taken to enhance the institution’s emergency preparedness and response capabilities. Although UGA is fortunate to have a number of specialized units dedicated specifically to emergency preparedness and response, it is impossible for these departments to plan and respond to such a large and distributed campus without assistance at the building and individual level. Currently there are a multitude of “safety and security” partners in many campus buildings (i.e. lab safety, health and safety concerns officer, access control contact, etc.). However, until now, these efforts have not been coordinated. BSSRs will serve as an extension of the existing emergency preparedness and response agencies and will coordinate all safety and security related issues for their buildings. They will help prepare all individuals who study or work in their buildings to respond appropriately during an emergency situation. Having designated BSSRs will eliminate duplication of effort in building level planning and reduce confusion when an emergency occurs.
When does Daylight Savings Time begin and end?
Currently, daylight time begins in the United States on the first Sunday in April and ends on the last Sunday in October. On the first Sunday in April, clocks are set ahead one hour at 2:00 a.m. local standard time, which becomes 3:00 a.m. local daylight time. On the last Sunday in October, clocks are set back one hour at 2:00 a.m. local daylight time, which becomes 1:00 a.m. local standard time. These dates were recently modified with the passage of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, Pub. L. no. 109-58, 119 Stat 594 (2005). Starting in March 2007, daylight time in the United States will begin on the second Sunday in March and end on the first Sunday in November.
Not all places in the U.S. observe daylight time. In particular, Hawaii and most of Arizona do not use it. Indiana just recently adopted the use of it beginning in 2006.
- In 2006, daylight time begins on April 2 and ends on October 29.
- In 2007, daylight time begins on March 11 and ends on November 4. [New law goes into effect.]
- In 2008, daylight time begins on March 9 and ends on November 2.
Many other countries observe some form of "summer time", but they do not necessarily change their clocks on the same dates as the U.S. Daylight time and time zones in the U.S. are defined in the U.S. Code, Title 15, Chapter 6, Subchapter IX - Standard Time.
History of Daylight Time in the U.S.
Although standard time in time zones was instituted in the U.S. and Canada by the railroads in 1883, it was not established in U.S. law until the Act of March 19, 1918, sometimes called the Standard Time Act. The act also established daylight saving time, a contentious idea then. Daylight saving time was repealed in 1919, but standard time in time zones remained in law. Daylight time became a local matter. It was re-established nationally early in World War II, and was continuously observed from 9 February 1942 to 20 September 1945. After the war its use varied among states and localities. The Uniform Time Act of 1966 provided standardization in the dates of beginning and end of daylight time in the U.S. but allowed for local exemptions from its observance. The act provided that daylight time begin on the last Sunday in April and end on the last Sunday in October, with the changeover to occur at 2 a.m. local time.
During the "energy crisis" years, Congress enacted earlier starting dates for daylight time. In 1974, daylight time began on 6 January and in 1975 it began on 23 February. After those two years the starting date reverted back to the last Sunday in April. In 1986, a law was passed permanently shifting the starting date of daylight time to the first Sunday in April, beginning in 1987. The ending date of daylight time has not been subject to such changes, and has remained the last Sunday in October. With the Energy Policy Act of 2005, the starting and ending dates have once again been shifted. Beginning in 2007, daylight time will start on the second Sunday in March and end on the first Sunday in November .
Where can I find information about identity theft and computer security?
The University’s Office of Enterprise Information Technology Services (EITS) provides information on computer security through its department of Information Security.
Click here to visit their Web site.
When and why did the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) change to the U.S.Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)?
(Referenced from: http://www.immigration.gov)
On March 1, service and benefit functions of the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) transitioned into the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The President nominated Eduardo Aguirre to lead the USCIS; he was confirmed by the Senate on June 19, 2003. The USCIS is responsible for the administration of immigration and naturalization adjudication functions and establishing immigration services policies and priorities.
These functions include:
- adjudication of immigrant visa petitions;
- adjudication of naturalization petitions;
- adjudication of asylum and refugee applications;
- adjudications performed at the service centers, and
- all other adjudications performed by the INS.
What can I do if I see something that is unusual or suspicious activity on campus?
You should contact the University police (campus emergency phone number (706) 542-2200 and report anything you feel is important enough that it should be investigated by law enforcement.
Where can I get additional information about security issues?
Our website offers various links to campus, State, and Federal agencies that provide information on security issues.
For additional information on bioterrorism, contact the UGA Environmental Safety Division at (706) 542-0112.
What is being done to protect the University of Georgia community from bioterrorism?
Although the site of a biological terrorist attack can’t be anticipated or identified, the personnel and equipment that would be needed to respond to it can be. Response mechanisms have been identified and plans are in place to assist in a campus emergency plan. Local and campus Police, Fire departments, EMS agencies, and the campus Environmental Safety Division are involved in emergency operations plans.
Biological terrorism is the deliberate use of biological weapons or devices intended to spread disease-producing organisms or toxins in food, water or by the use of insects, or as an aerosol.
Where can I get information about Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)?
Information on Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) is available from many internet sites. Several suggested sites are:
- Centers for Disease Control
http://www.cdc.gov/ - U.S. Department of State
http://travel.state.gov - World Health Organization
http://www.who.int/en
(this site also provides additional links about SARS)
What is terrorism and what are the seven signs of terrorism?
Terrorism is the use of force or violence against persons or property in violation of the criminal laws of the United States for purposes of intimidation, coercion, or ransom. Terrorists often use threats to create fear among the public, to try to convince citizens that their government is powerless to prevent terrorism, and to get immediate publicity for their causes.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) categorizes terrorism in the United States as one of two types, domestic terrorism or international terrorism.
Domestic terrorism involves groups or individuals whose terrorist activities are directed at elements of our government or population without foreign direction.
International terrorism involves groups or individuals whose terrorist activities are foreign-based and/or directed by countries or groups outside the United States or whose activities transcend national boundaries.
(Referenced from: Georgia Office of Homeland Security’s web site:
http://www.gahomelandsecurity.com)
The Seven Signs of Terrorism:
Should I be concerned about bioterrorism and what impact it has on my life?
It is reasonable for people to feel anxious about their personal safety. If you should become overly concerned about bioterrorism to the point that it stops you from doing the things you would normally do in a day, it might be helpful to talk with someone. Becoming aware of your surroundings and any suspicious activities, being informed about personal safety, and getting the facts about bioterrorism may help you better cope with dealing with this threat.
What is the Homeland Security Advisory System?
Low Condition Green
Low risk of terrorist attacks.
The following Protective Measures may be applied:
- Refining and exercising preplanned Protective Measures
- Ensuring personnel receive training on HSAS, departmental, or agency-specific Protective Measures; and
- Regularly assessing facilities for vulnerabilities and taking measures to reduce them.
Guarded Condition Blue
General risk of terrorist attack.
In addition to the previously outlined Protective Measures, the following may be applied:
- Checking communications with designated emergency response or command locations;
- Reviewing and updating emergency response procedures; and
- Providing the public with necessary information.
Elevated Condition Yellow
Significant risk of terrorist attacks.
In addition to the previously outlined Protective Measures, the following may be applied:
- Increasing surveillance of critical locations;
- Coordinating emergency plans with nearby jurisdictions;
- Assessing further refinement of Protective Measures within the context of the current threat information; and
- Implementing, as appropriate, contingency and emergency response plans.
High Condition Orange
High risk of terrorist attacks.
In addition to the previously outlined Protective Measures, the following may be applied:
- Coordinating necessary security efforts with armed forces or law enforcement agencies;
- Taking additional precaution at public events;
- Preparing to work at an alternate site or with a dispersed workforce; and
- Restricting access to essential personnel only.
Severe Condition Red
Severe risk of terrorist attacks.
In addition to the previously outlined Protective Measures, the following may be applied:
- Assigning emergency response personnel and pre-positioning specially trained teams;
- Monitoring, redirecting or constraining transportation systems;
- Closing public and government facilities; and
- Increasing or redirecting personnel to address critical emergency needs.