Hi Guys!

Recently I have been studying how 9-11 changed security in America and am excited to share what I have learned with you. I hope you enjoy learning about my topic. If you do not know what happened on 9-11-2001 you can read my previous blog post about that.

Here is some information about my topic:

9-11 has changed America in many different ways. It has changed the way we think of security to changing security in airports. One of the biggest changes was the TSA. The TSA (Transportation Security Administration) is an agency created for increasing security in transportation hubs. Over the years, the TSA budget increased because the agency is expanding.

Here is a video about airport security: Airport Security  

Here are 9 ways airport security has changed after 9-11:

• Before 9-11, you didn’t need an identification card with the name matching your name on your passport.
• Because of 9-11, we have to take off our shoes going through the metal detectors
• Before 9-11, your check-in baggage did not have to be screened
• Today, no liquids more than 3.4 ounces are allowed
• Before 9-11, you did not need to remove special items (toiletries, laptops, etc) out of your baggage
• Because of 9-11, most travelers must remove jackets going through screening
• Because of 9-11, enhanced pat-downs are sometimes administered
• Before 9-11, committees were allowed to go through airport gate areas
• Today, cockpit doors have been reinforced and stay locked during flights

——————————————————————————————————–

9-11 did not only affect airport security, it also affected the military. Over the years, the Department of Homeland Security budget increased dramatically because of security upgrades all over the country.

This is a chart of the Department of Homeland Security over the years.

Another big change was the amount of money we spent on Defense. In 2001 we spent $316 billion dollars and in 2011 we spent $708 billion dollars. This attack did not just surprise people in America, it surprised people all over the world. Also, after 9-11 the amount of active duty in the Military was .03 million people. This is because the U.S military sent people to attack different Muslim populated countries. Also, 9-11 inspired many young Americans to enlist in the military. Some say they want to serve a country that’s been in a war against terrorism since their early childhood; others say they want to find control in the world.

——————————————————————————————————-

9-11 as also changed building security. The International Code Council released post-9/11 building code suggestions to make skyscrapers safer and able to withstand similar incidents – atlas long enough for the people in the buildings to evacuate. Some of the changes include more stairways for buildings taller than about 42 stories, elevators that can be used during emergencies, and higher impact and fire – resistant walls for elevator shafts and stairways.

This is a picture that shows the different improvements:

Research has found a way to keep columns and beams strong even when they are stressed and bent. This property is called ductility. The higher ductility, the smaller the chance of progressive collapse is. This is a common concern when buildings are in earthquake-prone areas.

9-11 didn’t just change security, it changed the way we think about security too. 9-11 was a shocking event in our lives. After 9-11, people starting working together and communicating with each other to fight through the hard time. People started joining the military and the TSA to help increase security.

I hope you enjoyed my blog post!