Subject: Threat Level Change by Department of Homeland Security 

At the direction of the Department of State, we are disseminating the following information to U.S. citizens overseas. 

On August 1, 2004, 1400 EDT, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security raised the homeland security threat level to ORANGE (HIGH) for the financial services sectors in New York City, Northern New Jersey and Washington, D.C. 

The threat level for the rest of the nation remains at YELLOW (ELEVATED). 

Further information about the announcement may be obtained at the DHS Internet website at http://www.dhs.gov or http://www.ready.gov. 

The Department of State continues to monitor security conditions overseas and, as always, will promptly disseminate information affecting the safety of Americans abroad through its consular information program.  These documents are available on the Department's Internet website at http://travel.state.gov.