"To ensure everyone stays safe this holiday season, it is important for citizens to remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings, as these simple measures can help prevent violence from occurring," said Capt. W. Thomas Sands of the MSP/EMHSD. "If an individual sees something that appears suspicious or out of place, they should immediately notify law enforcement."

Remaining vigilant can be as simple as paying more attention to where you are, knowing how to react if something happens and recognizing potential indicators of suspicious activity or behavior. In addition, while entering buildings and moving around a facility, remember where you are located, what floor you are on and where the nearest emergency exit is, including stairwells.

Citizens should be on the lookout for several indicators of suspicious activity, including:

• An unattended object or one that appears out of place, especially in crowded or public areas.


• Individuals exhibiting strange or abnormal behavior.


• Someone entering or exiting blocked or unauthorized areas.


• Individuals who quickly leave when seen or approached.


• A strong odor coming from a building or vehicle.


• Someone tampering or interfering with surveillance cameras.


• A vehicle that seems out of place.


• Someone taking photos, videos or drawings of high-profile or highly populated buildings or structures.


• Exposed wiring or other abnormalities.

If you see something suspicious, immediately call 9-1-1 for emergencies. For non-emergencies, suspicious activity can be reported to Michigan officials by phone at 1-855-MICH-TIP (855-642-4847), online at www.michigan.gov/michtip or by contacting local law enforcement officials.

When reporting suspicious activity, include as much information as possible such as the description and number of people involved, including gender, age and a physical description, what the individual(s) was doing as well as the location, date and time.

In the event there is any heightened risk of a terrorist attack in the United States, citizens will be alerted through the National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS), which is overseen by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). DHS will issue any NTAS alerts via the news media, social media tools and online at www.dhs.gov/NTASalerts.

Additional information about holiday safety and reporting suspicious activity can be found at www.michigan.gov/emhsd.

The Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division is responsible for coordinating state and federal resources to assist local government in response and relief activities in the event of an emergency or disaster, as well as coordinating homeland security initiatives and various federal grants.

Follow MSP/EMHSD on Twitter at MichEMHS and visit our TouTube channel at www.youtube.com/MichEMHS.