An increase in the national threat level has sparked an increase in security around Nebraska.

Lt. Gov. Dave Heineman, the state's director of homeland security, says airports have been asked to take necessary precautions. He says travelers should be prepared for increased security at airports.

Federal Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge announced yesterday that he was raising the national threat level to orange, the second-highest level.

Ridge cited reports that Al-Qaida is trying to find holes in U.S. aviation security.

Heineman and Gov. Mike Johanns are also asking Nebraskans to raise their level of awareness.

However, Johanns said he had no information pointing to specific threats to the state.