Any DVCers concerned about water supply terrorist threat?

[invalid_char]

I read in our local newspaper that Orlando is the target of a terrorist threat to its water supply. Is there anyone else out there who is very concerned about this? Does anyone know what the likely impact could be and are there any precautions that should be taken?

It is hard to believe we live in a world with people so twisted that they would target a childrens' amusement park.

 

[KNWVIKING]

I think Disney does enough testing on their potable water to catch any contamination before it got to our lips. Also,isn't most of FL water supply from the aquafers ? i don't know that the terrorist can affect that supply. Now, maybe if we buried enough of them it might taste a little funny,but I'm willing to give it a try.

 

[chris1gill]

I'm sure whatever precautions can be taken are... Other than that, I'm not the least bit worried about it... I've always been of the mindset, whatever will be will be & no amount of worrying will change the future... It's a known threat, it's being worked on, that I am sure...

 

[PamOKW]

It's a threat to the entire Orlando drinking water system, not specific to WDW. The same threat exists to the water supply throughout our country.

There isn't much we can do as individuals about these concerns except to get out there and enjoy every day that we can.

 

[Lesley]

I think lots of folks drink bottled water at WDW anyway! I guess we do use the tap water for other stuff, but I'm not really worried about it...it doesn't help anything to be worried.

 

[DVCDAVE]

We should all take these threats very seriously. War is War, and we should expect the eneemy to regroup, and attack. I have every confidence that WDW will and should do everything reasonable to protect its guests. However, WE should not take for granted that life is the same as it was prior to 9/11. We should be on guard to protect ourselves, our family, and our neighbors. Recently here in CT someone was alert enough to call the FBI when some males of eastern orign were video tapeing the water supply equipment in Easton CT. My hat is off to the citizen who reported it. As it turned out, the incident was inocent enough, thank god.

They can and will strike back, we must be vigilent, and prepard to fight back. Being alert, is not only a good defense, but the start of a good offense.

 

[MAC3]

Well said DVCDAVE. It is up to us to protect ourselves and Loved ones and keep an eye out for suspicious behavior. It's far from over and there are enough of these whack jobs out there that hate us will every thread of their being.
I hope Disney will step up security. From what I've read there isn't much of it. Regardless as peace loving people everywhere, we need to keep a watchful eye on everything that goes on now.

 

[CaptainMidnight]

Yes, I'm concerned. WDW is a very American symbol, and is what the forces who have declared war and hatred towards America target.

 

[Gigashadow]

DVCDAVE hit it on the head but bring it one step before Sept. 11 - When you went to the mall, did you park in the "dark" side of the lot when alone? Did you leave your house unlocked when you were upstairs vaccuming alone? Did you feel your kids were smart enough to not worry where they were or what they were doing at 10:00pm ?

Sounds stupid, but if people didnt get so comfortable that they allowed themselves (Our Govt. Included) to feel and blind themselves to the dangers that never went away and never will - mabye that person/people wouldnt have gotten mugged/robbed/raped/murdered/sick. Fear is a good thing if you allow it to always make you "aware" of your surroundings - it could prevent you or your loved ones from that one instance that will change your life forever, as long as you dont lock yourself from the world thinking that will save you.

Unfortunatly, it always takes a tragity however "small" or "large" for people to become outraged and remind themselves how they might have prevented it in the first place just by biegn aware.

 

[dizfanz]

Disney may be the target of an attack someday. I cannot change that, nor can anyone else. I will not let that stop me from visiting the place that brings me the greatest joy, nor share this place with my future children. I will continue to add on points and I would love to send a copy of the deed to Osama what's his name and say here I am, you don't scare me! That may be too much bravado for some, but this is the world in which we live. This may sound morbid, but you are still more likely to be involved in a fatal car accident, or be diagnosed with heart disease than be the victim of a terrorist attack, whether it's poisoned water, a suicide bomber, or a nuclear weapon. So keep your eyes on the road and your fat intake instead of the news, because those are things you can control. I'd rather die living than live like I was dying. Become an optimist, it is much more fun. Lastly, if you are afraid of the water, go get a nice glass of wine in Epcot. I reccomend France, they have some excellent vintages.

 

[sgtpet]

I am in complete agreement with the rest of you. Sure WDW is a target but so is every major city, water facility, power plant, etc. You get the picture. The hell with these terrorists and may the United States show its resolve and strength in defeating and eliminating the enemy.

 

[KNWVIKING]

... Don't ya just love it when the news media keeps giving terrorists good ideas on what to hit next. They always report the "what ifs" about power plants,monuments,tourist attractions,water supplies,etc. I'm sure terrorist have already thought about these things, but do we really need the media pointing out our weakness' to them.

 

[BigLou]

If everyone would seriously think about what it would take to contaminate/poison the water supply, we wouldn't worry so much.

Ever wonder how many gallons are in YOUR water supply? Find out. My water supply is over 63 BILLION gallons. A pretty small reservoir. Larger lakes don't even figure the amount of water by gallons - they use cubic miles of water. A very large amount.

How would they posion the water? Wouldn't someone see a large tanker-type tractor-trailer dujmping cyanide or some other deadly toxin in the water? How many gallons are in a tanker-type tractor-trailer? Around 10,000 gallons. Which would result in a very diluted poison.

There are a few technical papers on this subject available on-line. After you read one you will see what an incredibly hard thing this would be.

Stop worrying - enjoy life.

 

[BuzzLightYear3]

Someone posted the article from the Orlando newspaper on the Theme Parks board. One of the interesting things it explained was that Disney has their own water system which is separate from the Orlando water systems. Security has been heightened at all of the supplies.

 

[msdis]

So true! And now the administration is getting so much flack about how much they knew prior to 9/11. How on earth can we expect the rest of the world to establish peace when this counrty still has so many fights among ourselves. Blame! blame ! blame! Let's just get together and solve these problems! And the media!!!!!!!!! I'm ok NOT having EVERY detail blasted across CNN all day long.

As far as security at WDW???? We were there 2 weeks ago and there was more visable "security" than a federal prison BUT I really did not feel more "secure". BUT, in the event someone saw something that did not look right, there were an enormous amount of visable people you could tell something to. That, made me feel more secure. Knowing the right kind of law enforcement /military could be there quickly while limited measures were taken in the mean time. BTW, we were searched(camera bag and fanny pack) every time you entered a park. Everyone was opening up all their bags while in line to expedite the process so it was but a thing. You could tell everyone was all too happy to comply.

 

[Lesley]

I don't think the issue is so much the idea of "poisoning" the water as contaminating it with some sort of biological weapon that could sustain and multiply itself once introduced. Seems as if it would be more difficult that flying a plane into a building though....

I agree that awareness is key...always has been, always will be. And I'll admit I'm not thrilled with our government and media giving the terrorists ideas. Like the CNN online piece that has the government stating that we will be attacked again, and that we will be seeing pedestrian suicide bombers in the future in the US. Well, gee, if it wasnt' planned before it probably is being planned now!

But we can't spend all our time and energy worrying...that's counterproductive.

 

[Sims]

Strange as it sounds, the wealthy terrorist leaders have families that vacation at DisneyWorld. I don't think they want to destroy it. We just came back and we ordered water with all our meals.
There was a helicopter going over the Disney property repeatedly but I don't know if it was a coincidence or a patrol.

 

[A1A1]

I have found myself looking over my shoulder, and wondering everywhere I go if there is a terrorist nearby. These people look normal, but have no regard for their own lives, let alone the lives of others. They would not think twice about destroying something special, because for them it gives them honor to die for their cause. I think I will be drinking a lot of bottled water when I am next in WDW (not that it will help any).