With the nation ordered into a state of extreme awareness for a potential rash of terrorist attacks, State College officials say they are prepared for the possible dangers.

Attorney General John Ashcroft issued the alert to Americans late Monday night, warning citizens to be aware of any suspicious activities on and around Feb. 12.

Following the announcement, federal and state government officials contacted police precincts around the country — including State College — with information and instructions concerning the imminent threat.

"The government sent us a particular piece of information that was distributed to our officers," State College Police Sgt. John Wilson said. "Our police department and other departments around the nation are in a high state of alert."

Ashcroft's warning included profiles of one main suspect and his alleged accomplices, all of whom are believed to be of either Yemeni or Saudi Arabian descent.

Wilson said the department received the information regarding the alleged suspects, as well as rumors of possible attack targets.

He added the sites were no cause for immediate panic among State College residents.

"They were discussed vaguely," Wilson said. "We aren't near any of those targets."

However, citizens should not become complacent in the small town atmosphere, State College Mayor Bill Welch said.

"It seems terrorists are interested in targets that are emblematic of America," he said. "Whether Beaver Stadium is more attractive than the Statue of Liberty, no one knows."

Wilson agreed with Welch's word of warning.

"Penn State is the hub of Pennsylvania," he said. "We have a mixture of international communities with some highly sophisticated research facilities here."

Robert Harkavy, professor of political science, was uncertain as to what specific measures the U.S. government could offer to protect citizens.

"What are you supposed to look out for," he said. "All you can do is watch people more closely."

Harkavy said he returned from an academic engagement in Michigan this week and the airport's security was critical of all passengers.

"Everything and everyone was being frisked," he said.

The University Park Airport is among the nation's airports that are employing armed National Guards and strict baggage-check policies at the request of the Federal Aviation Authority, manager Bob Dannaker said.

"The FAA talks with the security of airports and they lay down procedures to follow," he said. "We've been on a high alert ever since Sept. 11."

Dannaker said the airport has yet to encounter any major problems regarding security other than a few minor infractions such as carrying scissors and nail files on board.

"The biggest thing we've had is people not understanding the limitations on their carry-on baggage," he said. "But people know the situation and are willing to cooperate."

The constant threat of a new outburst of terror that has plagued the United States since Sept. 11 could possibly change the country's landscape forever, Harkavy said.

"At some point, this country may become like Israel, where you go to a mall and a bomb goes off," he said.