Local law enforcement authorities are preparing for an emergency as the war against Iraq begins.

Sheriff Mark Harig, who is also the emergency management director for the county, said the emergency response plan is already in place, and the sheriff’s office and police would increase their vigilance in the community.

The two-inch thick emergency protocol identifies facilities in the county that are potentially vulnerable to terrorism.

In case of a major disaster, the emergency operating center will be established in the Law Enforcement Center. Law enforcement officers would be called in, along with activated national guard personnel, Harig said.

Though the prospect of a terrorist threat in the county is low, Harig said law enforcement would be cautious about suspicious activities.