[EMER] What's happening
Update Central Iowa:
Gas lines forming and growing very long.Stores and malls closed.
Stores not taking credit cards, cash only. Sure glad I got there earlier. suzy
This from the CBS affiliate TV8:
http://www.theiowachannel.com/news/956379/index.html
Iowans React To The Attack On America
Hundreds Of Prayer Services Scheduled Tonight
DES MOINES, Iowa, 6:01 p.m. CDT September 11, 2001 -- Iowa has set up a 24-hour toll-free hotline for counseling caused by today's terrorist attacks in Washington and New York.
Plane Crashes Into Second Tower
Officials with the Iowa Department of Public Health are particularly worried about youngsters who may have seen disturbing television images.
Signs of stress include extreme sadness, apathy or fear to such a level that it affects daily activities, fatigue and difficulty sleeping.
The hotline is operated by Iowa State University Extension. The hotline is: 1-800-447-1985 For the hearing impaired: 1-800-735-2942
Iowa Security Tightened
Iowa remains on heightened alert after today's terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.
The Iowa State Patrol is monitoring the Statehouse and state employees have been told the report anything suspicious. The Iowa National Guard is taking precautionary measures, while extra guards are posted at the Army's Rock Island Arsenal in the Quad Cities.
In Des Moines, the Principal Financial Group has increased security around its building at 801 Grand, the tallest skyscraper on the city's skyline.
Malls and shopping centers have been closed, including Coral Ridge Mall in Coralville and Valley West Mall and Southridge Mall in Des Moines.
Several Iowa newspapers have published special editions today, including those in Des Moines, Davenport, Cedar Rapids and Iowa City.
Vilsack's Reaction
Governor Tom Vilsack says extra security is being added public buildings across the state. Vilsack says it's important that all Iowans stay calm.
Governor Tom Vilsack has announced a "heightened awareness" at the Statehouse and other public buildings but says state government will continue to operate Tuesday.
Speaking at a new conference in the wake of apparent terrorist attacks along the East Coast, Vilsack said he hopes the state will be able to set an example of calm and reassurance.
Two entrances to the Statehouse have been closed in the wake of the tragedies and Iowa Highway Patrol troopers are monitoring other entrances.
Vilsack says he held a telephone conference call will security officials.
He had been scheduled to fly to Washington today, but those plans were canceled and he plans to monitor the situation throughout the day.
The governor says state workers would be given broad freedom to huddle around televisions and monitor news coverage of the multiple tragedies.
The governor also says state officials will offer "support and assistance" as need to officials in New York, Pennsylvania and Virginia.
Governor Vilsack is urging Iowans to pray for the victims. He has ordered a heightened alert, with precautionary steps around the Statehouse and all public buildings.
The Iowa National Guard is also taking precautions at all its facilities.
Des Moines Airport:
The FAA has grounded all U.S. flights. No planes will be taking off from the Des Moines or any other airports until further notice. All flights in the air have been told to land at the nearest airport.
Officials with the Des Moines International Airport say it will be at least 5 a.m. Wednesday before any decision will be made on when flights might resume. FAA officials say flights may resume around noon Wednesday. Extra security measures have been put in place at the Des Moines airport.
Government Offices:
The Des Moines Federal Building has closed its offices and its daycare center. Officials will decide tomorrow morning whether to reopen. Polk County recorders office is closed but other county offices are open.