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U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Homeland Security Advisory System:
Homeland Secuity Alert Index The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has established the Homeland Security Advisory System (HSAS) in order to provide a comprehensive and effective means to disseminate information regarding the risk of terrorist attacks on the United States, to Federal, State, and local authorities.

This advisory system provides the foundation for building a comprehensive and effective communications structure for the dissemination of information relating to a potential terrorist threat, to all levels of government, and to the American people.

Under the direction of the United States Attorney General, HSAS characterizes appropriate levels of vigilance, preparedness and readiness in a series of graduated threat conditions. The protective measures that correspond with each threat condition will help the government and citizens decide what action needs to be taken in order to counter and properly respond to terrorist activity.

The Homeland Security Advisory System will provide a framework for the Attorney General, in consultation with the Secretary of the Office of Homeland Security, to assign threat conditions, which can apply Nationally, Regionally, by sector, or to a specific potential target. Cabinet Secretaries and other members of the Homeland Security Council will be consulted when appropriate.

A variety of factors may be used to assess the threat. Among these:

  • Is the threat credible?
  • Is the threat corroborated?
  • Is the threat specific and / or imminent?
  • How grave is the threat?

Public announcements of threat advisories and alerts help to deter terrorist activity, notify law enforcement and State and local government officials of threats, inform the public about government preparations, and provide people with the information necessary to respond to the threat. State and local officials will be informed in advance of National threat advisories when possible.

Heightened threat conditions can be declared for the entire Nation, or for a specific geographic area, functional or industrial sector. Changes in assigned threat conditions will be made when necessary.

The HSAS establishes five threat conditions with associated suggested protective measures:

Low Condition: Green

Low risk of terrorist attack:
The following protective measures may be applied:

  • Refining and exercising preplanned protective measures.
  • Ensuring personnel receive training on HSAS, departmental, or agency-specific protective measures.
  • Regularly assessing facilities for vulnerabilities and taking measures to reduce them.

Guarded Condition: Blue

General risk of terrorist attack:
In addition to the previously outlined protective measures, the following may be applied when status is "Guarded":

  • Checking communications with designated emergency response or command locations.
  • Reviewing and updating emergency response procedures.
  • Providing the public with necessary information.

Elevated Condition: Yellow

Significant risk of terrorist attack:
 In addition to the previously outlined protective measures, the following may be applied when status is "Elevated":

  • Increasing surveillance of critical locations.
  • Coordinating emergency plans with nearby jurisdictions.
  • Assessing further refinement of protective measures within the context of the current threat information.
  • Implementing, as appropriate, contingency and emergency response plans.

High Condition: Orange

High risk of terrorist attack:
 In addition to the previously outlined protective measures, the following may be applied when status is "High":

  • Coordinating necessary security efforts with armed forces or law enforcement agencies.
  • Taking additional precaution at public events.
  • Preparing to work at an alternate site or with a dispersed workforce.
  • Restricting access to essential personnel only.

Severe Condition: Red

Severe risk of terrorist attack:
In addition to the previously outlined protective measures, the following may be applied when status is "Severe":

  • Assigning emergency response personnel and pre-positioning specially trained teams.
  • Monitoring, redirecting or constraining transportation systems.
  • Closing public and government facilities.
  • Increasing or redirecting personnel to address critical emergency needs.

For more information on federal efforts, Click Here


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