The state’s Homeland Security director has some a tip that could eliminate confusion about your whereabouts in the event of disaster. Remember what happened when the terrorists struck New York and Washington, D.C.? Telephone circuits and cell phone towers in those cities were overloaded and callers couldn’t get through to check on the welfare of loved ones and friends. That’s why Iowa Homeland Security director Ellen Gordon suggests you choose an out-of-town relative or friend as the person you’ll contact if there’s a terrorist attack or other disaster. Then, tell your family and friends that person’s phone numbers and e-mail address.Gordon says your contact person shouldn’t live nearby, and it’s best they live in a different state or part of the country so it’s unlikely the disaster that may occur in your town would happen in their town, too.Gordon says designating the out-of-town contact person will save your family and friends a lot of time and worry and it could save time for search and rescue operations.
