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Food Trucks, “Roach Coaches” Possible Terrorist Target
Food trucks pose public security concerns, could be used for surveillance, says memo
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Food truck in NYC |
The swarms of food trucks plying New York City streets selling everything from gourmet treats to hot dogs could also be rolling safety and security hazards, according to the city’s fire department.
The trucks can not only present fire and explosive hazards, but have the potential to become terrorist stalking horses, according to an Unclassified/For Official Use Only (U//FOUO) memo distributed on Sept. 14 to emergency services personnel by the Fire Department of New York’s Center for Terrorism and Disaster Preparedness.
The memo, made available at the Public Intelligence open source Website on Oct. 22, said food trucks not only carry everyday concerns about public health and potential fire hazards, but also have characteristics that could make them attractive to terrorists.
The trucks are an increasingly common presence on city streets, according to the memo, with over 3,000 permits issued by the New York City Health Department in 2012. There is also a black market for the permits, it said.
Because of the myriad gas, electrical and other hazards presented by the vehicles in emergency situations like traffic accidents, the memo advised emergency response personnel to use caution. In emergency situations involving the vehicles, the Fire Department advised personnel to maintain situational awareness; preserve a safety zones; stretch a precautionary hose line; expect large quantities of flammables and call for hazardous materials response teams to help. READMOREHERE
