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 U.S. Department of Homeland Security


  UNDERSTANDING THE THREAT ADVISORY SYSTEM
  The world has changed since September 11, 2001. We remain a nation at risk to
  attacks and will remain at risk for the foreseeable future. At all Threat Conditions,
  we must remain vigilant, prepared, and ready to deter terrorist attacks. The
  following Threat Conditions each represent an increasing risk of terrorist attacks.
  Beneath each Threat Condition are some suggested Protective Measures,
  recognizing that the heads of Federal departments and agencies are responsible
  for developing and implementing appropriate agency-specific Protective Measures.

  1. LOW CONDITION [GREEN]. This condition is
   declared when there is a low risk of terrorist
   attacks. Federal departments and agencies
   should consider the following general
   measures in addition to the agency-specific
   Protective Measures they develop and
   implement: Refining and exercising as
   appropriate preplanned Protective Measures;
   Ensuring personnel receive proper training on
   the Homeland Security Advisory System and
   specific preplanned department or agency
   Protective Measures; and institutionalizing a
   process to assure that all facilities and
   regulated sectors are regularly assessed for
   vulnerabilities to terrorist attacks, and all
   reasonable measures are taken to mitigate
   these vulnerabilities.

  2. GUARDED CONDITION [BLUE]. This condition
   is declared when there is a general risk of terrorist attacks. In addition to the
   Protective Measures taken in the previous Threat Condition, Federal departments
   and agencies should consider the following general measures in addition to the
   agency-specific Protective Measures that they will develop and implement: Checking
   communications with designated emergency response or command locations;
   Reviewing and updating emergency response procedures; and Providing the public
   with any information that would strengthen its ability to act appropriately.

  3. ELEVATED CONDITION [YELLOW]. An Elevated Condition is declared when there is
   a significant risk of terrorist attacks. In addition to the Protective Measures taken in
   the previous Threat Conditions, Federal departments and agencies should consider
   the following general measures in addition to the Protective Measures that they will
   develop and implement: Increasing surveillance of critical locations; Coordinating
   emergency plans as appropriate with nearby jurisdictions; Assessing whether the
   precise characteristics of the threat require the further refinement of preplanned
   Protective Measures; and Implementing, as appropriate, contingency and emergency
   response plans.

  4. HIGH CONDITION [ORANGE]. A High Condition is declared when there is a high risk
   of terrorist attacks. In addition to the Protective Measures taken in the previous
   Threat Conditions, Federal departments and agencies should consider the following
   general measures in addition to the agency-specific Protective Measures that they
   will develop and implement: Coordinating necessary security efforts with Federal,
   State, and local law enforcement agencies or any National Guard or other
   appropriate armed forces organizations; Taking additional precautions at public
   events and possibly considering alternative venues or even cancellation; Preparing
   to execute contingency procedures, such as moving to an alternate site or dispersing
   their workforce; and Restricting threatened facility access to essential personnel
   only.

  5. SEVERE CONDITION [RED]. A Severe Condition reflects a severe risk of terrorist
   attacks. Under most circumstances, the Protective Measures for a Severe Condition
   are not intended to be sustained for substantial periods of time. In addition to the
   Protective Measures in the previous Threat Conditions, Federal departments and
   agencies also should consider the following general measures in addition to the
   agency-specific Protective Measures that they will develop and implement: Increasing
   or redirecting personnel to address critical emergency needs; Assigning emergency
   response personnel and pre-positioning and mobilizing specially trained teams or
   resources; Monitoring, redirecting, or constraining transportation systems; and
   Closing public and government facilities.


(Information courtesy of Dept. of Homeland Security)

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