“It’s a difficult situation in my homeland, Ukraine,” said Anastasia.
So when the attacks struck Paris, they were relieved to be in Texas.
“It could happen anywhere,” said Dmitry, “But we feel much safer here, than be in Europe, and Europe is much prone to terror attacks because so close to the Middle East.”
Rob Kimmons, a local security expert, says even though the security risk may be lower in the United States, it’s always important to be prepared.
“Put a plan in mind just as if you’re on an airplane, what you’re going to do, if something happens. Where are the exits, where are the security checkpoints,” said Kimmons.
Kimmons says it’s not a matter of if, but when, a terrorist attack will occur on US soil again. His advice, even for people who conceal and carry guns, to always run from a threat first.
“Fleeing is the first option, hiding is the second, if you hide you need to be quiet, turn off the ringer.”
Meanwhile, the Harris County Sheriff’s Department says it is in constant communications with state and federal authorities, however there is no active credible threat.
“We have not yet identified any threats that would cause us to heighten our state of alert or readiness if you will. There an ongoing effort to maintain terrorist watch activities in the area,” said Sheriff Ron Hickman.