Opp Police Chief Mike McDonald issued an alert in light of the recent terrorist attacks.

“In the past couple of weeks, we have seen a Russian Federation commercial jet blown out of the sky by what would appear to have been an ISIS explosive device,” he said. “Several days ago, an ISIS device was exploded in Lebanon causing mass civilian causalities. And then of course, this past Friday night, ISIS launched coordinated attacks against multiple soft targets in Paris. To date in Paris alone, there are 128 dead and scores wounded.”

McDonald said there was no specific information from the federal government concerning any attacks that have been planned against targets in the United States.

“To date, the threat level has not been elevated,” he said. “However, we as citizens, didn’t have any prior information concerning the attack of the twin towers in New York City and the Pentagon prior to it happening, either.

“Our point is simply this: I think your police department would be remiss if we don’t issue this precaution,” McDonald said. “As Americans, we in many cases, have to take care of ourselves. The Christmas season is upon us. Many major football game in crowded stadiums, various malls crowded with shoppers across our state and country and crowded airports with many additional flights being planned for the holiday season.”

McDonald said if you are planning to attend a major sports event, shop at major malls or utilize major airports in order to travel, know what is going on around you.

“Be at the heightened sense of alert,” he said. “If you don’t like the way something looks, move away from it or them and report it to law enforcement. It is not a matter of being scared. It is a matter of common sense. Go out and enjoy yourselves. However, have a plan. Know what you will do at a given location if something happens.”