If the purchase of duct tape and plastic sheeting are a measure of preparedness for a terrorist attack, then DeKalb does not seem to be prepared.

Tom Ridge, secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, suggested on Wednesday that U.S. citizens prepare an emergency kit containing a three-day supply of non-perishable food and water, duct tape and plastic sheeting premeasured to fit over windows and doors, a first aid kit, a flashlight and a battery powered radio, among other things, at the announcement of the Ready Campaign, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Web site.

“There are simple things you and your family can do to prepare for the unlikely but possible terrorist incident: Make a kit, make a plan and be informed,” Ridge said in his announcement.

The campaign is meant to inform the public and deter terrorism.

He compared the kit to that recommended for preparation for a natural disaster.

Ridge clarified that these items, especially the duct tape and plastic sheeting, should be put aside and used only in case of an emergency.

DeKalb residents are not even going that far based on reports from local retailers.

“We really didn’t notice anything as of yet,” said Norm Parker, store manager of Jewel-Osco, 1320 Sycamore Road. He said that a few residents have voiced concerns, but he has not noticed an increase in sales in any items suggested for emergency kits.

That notion is echoed by Tom Kehrees, store manager of Wal-Mart, 2300 Sycamore Road.

“We’re just having a great sales year,” Kehrees said. “We have not noticed an increase in sales based on that information.”

Trixy O’Flaherty, assistant manager of Gordon’s Do it Best Hardware, 514 E. Lincoln Highway, said she has not noticed any increase in the sale of duct tape or plastic sheeting.

Although demand for the plastic sheeting has remained the same at Gordon’s Do it Best Hardware, the price for it has risen. O’Flaherty said she was not sure if the increase was because of the recommendations for preparedness.

Aaron Fowles, a senior NIU theater major, said the steps being prescribed remind him of the Y2K phenomenon of the late ’90s.

“I don’t succumb to hysteria,” Fowles said. “I can buy an 8-foot umbrella and it will keep the rain off me, but so will a regular one.”