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National Homeland Security Knowledgebase

What does it mean?

The government uses a color-coded advisory system to alert the public as the risk of a terrorist attack increases. In addition to the steps that government agencies take, here are some steps that you can take as a citizen at each level...

When the Homeland Security Office puts out a Green, Low Threat, Low Risk Level, it means that there is a low risk of terrorism. Routine security is implemented to preclude routine criminal threats.

• You should continue to enjoy individual freedom. Participate freely in travel, work, and recreational activities.
• Be prepared for disasters and family emergencies.
• Develop a family emergency plan.
• Keep recommended immunizations up-to-date.
• Know how to turn off your power, gas and water service to your house.
• Know what hazardous materials are stored in your home and how to properly dispose of unneeded chemicals.
• Support the efforts of your local emergency responders (fire fighters, law enforcement and emergency medical services)
• Know what natural hazards are most like to occur in your area and what measures you can take to protect your family
• Volunteer to assist and support the community emergency response agencies.
  

At the time that a Guarded, Blue Threat is announced it means that there a general risk with no credible threats to specific targets. Routine security is implemented to preclude routine criminal threats. In addition to previously mentioned precautions, citizens are advised to:

• Continue normal activities, but be watchful for suspicious activities.
• Report criminal activity to local law enforcement.
• Review family emergency plans.
• Increase family emergency preparedness by purchasing supplies, food, and storing water
• Be familiar with local natural and technological (man-made) hazards in the community.
• Increase individual or family emergency preparedness through training, maintaining good physical fitness and health, and storing food, water, and emergency supplies
• Monitor local and national news for terrorist alerts.

When they move us to an Elevated Risk Yellow, there is elevated risk of terrorist attack but a specific region of the USA or target has not been identified. In addition to previously mentioned precautions, you should do the following:

• Continue normal activities, but report suspicious activities to local law enforcement agencies.
• Take a first aid class.
• Become active in your local Neighborhood Crime Watch program.
• Network with your family, neighbors, and community for mutual support during a disaster or terrorist attack.
• Learn what critical facilities are located in your community and report suspicious actives at or near these sites
• Contact local officials to learn about specific hazards in your community.
• Increase individual or family emergency preparedness through training, maintained good physical fitness and health, and storing food, water and emergency supplies
• Monitor media reports concerning situation.
  

High Risk or an Orange Threat means that credible intelligence indicates that there is a high risk of a local terrorist attack but a specific target has not been identified. In addition to previously mentioned precautions, you should do the following:

• Resume normal activities, but expect some delays, baggage searches, and restrictions as a result of heightened security at public buildings and facilities.
• Continue to monitor world and local events as well as local government threat advisories
• Report suspicious activities at or near critical facilities to local law enforcement agencies
• Avoid leaving unattended packages or brief cases in public areas.
• Inventory and organize emergency supply kits and discuss emergency plans with family members. Reevaluate meeting location based on threat.
• Consider taking reasonable personal security precautions. Be alert to your surroundings, avoid placing yourself in a vulnerable situation, and monitor the activities of your children.
• Maintain close contact with your family and neighbors to ensure their safety and emotional welfare.
  

At the Severe Imminent Threat, Red, a terrorist attack has occurred, or credible and corroborated intelligence indicates that one is imminent. Normally this threat condition is declared for a specific location or critical facility. In addition to previously mentioned precautions, you should do the following:

• Report suspicious activities and call 911 for immediate responses.
• Expect delays, searches of purses and bags and restricted access to public buildings.
• Take personal security precautions to avoid becoming a victim of crime or terrorist attack.
• Avoid crowded public areas and gatherings.
• Do not travel into areas affected by the attach or is an expected terrorist target.
• Keep emergency supplies accessible and automobile fuel tank full
• Be prepared to evacuate your home or shelter in place on order of local authorities.
• Be suspicious of persons taking photographs of critical facilities, asking detailed questions about physical security or dressed inappropriately for weather conditions (suicide bomber).
• Report these incidents immediately to law enforcement.
• Closely monitor news reports and Emergency Alert System (EAS) radio/TV stations.
• Assist neighbors who may need help.
• Avoid passing unsubstantiated information and rumors

Excellent Resources

Are you Ready?
American Red Cross
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Central Intelligence Agency
Citizen Corps
Department of Energy
Department of Health and Human Services
Department of Homeland Security
Department of Justice
Environmental Protection Agency
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Humane Society of the United States
Institute for Business and Home Safety
From the U.S. Department of Homeland Security
USA Freedom Corps
US Department of Agriculture
US Department of State
US Postal Service
Whitehouse