0 Number of impending threats to the Philadelphia region, as of press time, according to the current advisory at www.readyphiladelphia.org, a Web site that's part of the "Ready — Or Not?" campaign launched by Mayor Street Sept. 18 as reported in last week's editor's letter. Count on Running Numbers to keep you updated each and every week of any changes.

5 Number of women experts, including moderator Lynn Doyle of CN8, who will gather to discuss "Gun Violence in Our Communities" as part of a Forum of Executive Women event Oct. 3 at 7:45 a.m. at the Franklin Institute. The FOEW press release cites examples of gun-related tragedies such as "a child caught in the crossfire of rival gangs, a working father killed by criminals during a robbery, a mother the victim of domestic violence," and "a teen shot by his best friend during an underage drinking party." No offense, ladies, but these might be more effective if they didn't sound like the plots of Lifetime movies.

18 Number of Pennsylvania overseas representatives from more than 15 countries that will convene in Philadelphia Sept. 28 for the World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia's Pennsylvania International Week "to discuss best export and investment opportunities in their respective international markets." Eighteen foreigners and a World Trade Center, huh? In times like these I ask myself, "What would Fox News Channel Do?" I've got it: Increase the threat advisory and start profiling! We've got freedom to save!

250 Maximum number of words Philadelphia's sixth-, seventh- and eighth-graders can use to compose a fire-prevention-themed essay for the Philadelphia Fire Department's citywide essay contest Oct. 2 through Nov. 3. "Entries will be judged for fire safety thought and content, as well as neatness and originality." More information is available at Webapps-test.phila.gov. If you're shooting for originality, kids, try to avoid stories about a girl who sets her pregnant best friend on fire at an underage drinking gang party. ... On second thought, write an essay on that exact topic.

$300 ,000 Bond amount on which famed bounty hunter Duane "Dog" Chapman was freed recently after being arrested on an outstanding warrant for his 2003 arrest in Mexico for illegal deprivation of liberty. Perhaps Dog would have known bounty hunting is illegal in Mexico had he taken certified Bail Enforcement Agent or Bail Bondsman classes offered by the U.S. Recovery Bureau. Pa. classes are forming now for the Sept. 29 to Oct. 1 session. Call 973-365-9958 or visit www.usrecoverybureau.com.