In the wake of Hurricane Katrina and the disaster in the Gulf Coast region, the Jewelers Security Alliance issued a warning and advice to jewelers.

“While the jewelry industry is sending assistance and sympathy to the tragically damaged Gulf area following hurricane Katrina,” said John Kennedy, JSA president, n Sept. 7, “jewelers should also take note of the looting of jewelry stores that has taken place in New Orleans and other communities.

“Jewelers are encouraged to review Chapter 7 of the JSA Manual of Jewelry Security entitled “Terrorism, Disasters and Emergencies,” he said. “While the Katrina disaster was extraordinary, every area of the country faces various forms of potential disaster. The most basic recommendation,” he said, “is that all jewelry goods should be put away in a safe as soon as possible in an emergency. Goods left out are far more vulnerable to looters.” It is “rare” for safes to be carried out or opened during looting, he noted, but “goods left exposed have frequently been taken by looters during and following disasters.”

JCK