Homeland Security

The Homeland Security Advisory System was designed to provide a national framework and comprehensive means to disseminate information regarding the risk of terrorist acts to the following:

Federal, state, and local authorities
The private sector
The American people

This system provides warnings in the form of a set of graduated �threat conditions� that increase as the risk of the threat increases. Risk includes both the probability of an attack occurring and its potential gravity. Threat conditions may be assigned for the entire nation, or they may be set for a particular geographic area or industrial sector. At each threat condition, government entities and the private sector, including businesses and schools, would implement a corresponding set of �protective measures� to further reduce vulnerability or increase response capability during a period of heightened alert.

There are five threat conditions, each identified by a description and corresponding color. Assigned threat conditions will be reviewed at regular intervals to determine whether adjustments are warranted.

Threat Conditions and Associated Protective Measures

There is always a risk of a terrorist threat. Each threat condition assigns a level of alert appropriate to the increasing risk of terrorist attacks. Beneath each threat condition are some suggested protective measures that the government, the private sector, and the public can take.

In each case, as threat conditions escalate, protective measures are added to those already taken in lower threat conditions. The measures are cumulative.

Citizen Guidance on the Homeland Security Advisory System

Green
Low Risk

Develop a family emergency plan. Share it with family and friends, and practice the plan. Visit www.Ready.gov for help creating a plan.
Create an �Emergency Supply Kit� for your household.
Be informed. Visit www.Ready.gov or obtain a copy of �Preparing Makes Sense, Get Ready Now� by calling 1-800-BE-READY.
Know where to shelter and how to turn off utilities (power, gas, and water) to your home.
Examine volunteer opportunities in your community, such as Citizen Corps, Volunteers in Police Service, Neighborhood Watch or others, and donate your time. Consider completing an American Red Cross first aid or CPR course, or Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) course.

Blue
Guarded Risk

Complete recommended steps at level green.
Review stored disaster supplies and replace items that are outdated.
Be alert to suspicious activity and report it to proper authorities.

Yellow
Elevated Risk

Complete recommended steps at levels green and blue.
Ensure disaster supplies are stocked and ready.
Check telephone numbers in family emergency plan and update as necessary.
Develop alternate routes to/from work or school and practice them.
Continue to be alert for suspicious activity and report it to authorities.

Orange
High Risk

Complete recommended steps at lower levels.
Exercise caution when traveling, pay attention to travel advisories.
Review your family emergency plan and make sure all family members know what to do.
Be Patient. Expect some delays, baggage searches and restrictions at public buildings.
Check on neighbors or others that might need assistance in an emergency.

Red
Severe Risk