'If You See Something, Say Something,' Officials Ask

PHOTO is from a public service announcement created by Homeland Security; watch the video below, at the bottom of the story.

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FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA -- Residents in Fairfax County are being encouraged to speak up if they see anything suspicious, in the wake of the Brussels terrorist bombings Tuesday that killed 31 people.

Fairfax County asked residents, via Twitter on Wednesday, to speak up, and linked to an earlier message that states:

"Terrorist attacks are, of course, horrifying. We can all play a role in protecting our community. One key way is to remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings – from your neighborhood to a mall, and from public transportation to a public venue such as a stadium. Remember, “If you see something, say (or send) something.”

Potential signs of terrorism, according to the Virginia Fusion Center, include:

Eliciting Information: Questioning individuals at a level beyond mere curiosity about particular facets of a facility's or building's purpose, operations, security procedures, etc.

Testing of Security: Deliberate interactions with, or challenges to, installations, personnel or systems that reveal physical, personnel or cyber security capabilities.

Photography: Taking pictures or video of facilities, buildings or infrastructure in a manner that would arouse suspicion. Examples include taking pictures or video of:

• Infrequently used access points
• Personnel performing security functions
• Security-related equipment (fencing, security cameras, etc.)

Observation/Surveillance: Demonstrating unusual interest in facilities, buildings or infrastructures beyond mere casual or professional (e.g., engineers) interest. Examples include:

• Observation through binoculars
• Taking notes
• Attempting to measure distances, etc.

Supplies: Purchasing or stealing explosives, weapons, ammunition, etc. Acquiring military uniforms, decals, flight manuals, passes, or badges.

Impersonation: People who do not seem to belong in the workplace, neighborhood, establishment, etc. Suspicious border crossings, impersonation of law enforcement, military personnel/or company employees.

Funding: Suspicious transactions involving large cash payments, deposits, or withdrawals.

Materials Acquisition or Storage: Acquisition and/or storage of unusual quantities of materials, such as cell phones, pagers, fuel, chemicals, toxic materials and timers.

Acquisition of Expertise: Attempts to obtain or conduct training in security concepts, military weapons or tactics.

Weapons Discovery: Discovery of unusual amounts of weapons or explosives.

How to Report

If there’s an ongoing emergency, call or text 9-1-1.

If you see something suspicious, here’s how to report it:

• Download an app for your phone to easily report something suspicious [iPhone // Android].
• Call 703-802-2746. You can also call: 877-4VA-TIPS (877-482-8477)
• Submit information through an online form.
• You may also call the Fairfax County non-emergency line at 703-691-2131, TTY 703-877-3715.

When reporting suspicious activity, it is helpful to give the most accurate description possible, including:

• Brief description of the activity.
• Date, time and location of the activity.
• Physical identifiers of anyone you observed.
• Descriptions of vehicles.
• Information about where people involved in suspicious activities may have gone.

Additional tips to consider

• Move or leave if you feel uncomfortable or if something does not seem right.
• Do not accept packages from strangers and do not leave luggage unattended.
• Learn where emergency exits are located in buildings you frequent. Plan how to get out in the event of an emergency.
• It’s always good to be prepared with an emergency supply kit and communication plans.
• Most importantly, stay calm, be patient and think before you act. With these simple preparations, you can be ready for the unexpected.

The video below is from Homeland Security: