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Department of Homeland Security Advisory System
The Homeland Security Advisory System will provide a comprehensive and effective means to disseminate information regarding the risk of terrorist attacks to Federal, State, and local authorities and to the American people.

As part of a series of initiatives to improve coordination and communication among all levels of government and the American public in the fight against terrorism, President Bush signed Homeland Security Presidential Directive 3, creating the Homeland Security Advisory System (HSAS). The advisory system will be the foundation for building a comprehensive and effective communications structure for the dissemination of information regarding the risk of terrorist attacks to all levels of government and the American people.

The current Homeland Security Advisory System threat level is Yellow-Elevated.
Low Threat Level Image Low risk of terrorist attacks. 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; and
  • Regularly assessing facilities for vulnerabilities and taking measures to reduce them.

Guarded Threat Level Image General risk of terrorist attack. In addition to the previously outlined Protective Measures,the following may be applied:
  • Checking communications with designated emergency response or command locations;
  • Reviewing and updating emergency response procedures; and
  • Providing the public with necessary information.

Elevated Threat Level Image Significant risk of terrorist attacks. In addition to the previously outlined Protective Measures, the following may be applied:
  • 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; and
  • Implementing, as appropriate, contingency and emergency response plans.

High Threat Level Image High risk of terrorist attacks. In addition to the previously outlined Protective Measures, the following may be applied:
  • 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; and Restricting access to essential personnel only.

Severe Threat Level Image Severe risk of terrorist attacks. In addition to the previously outlined Protective Measures, the following may be applied:
  • Assigning emergency response personnel and pre-positioning specially trained teams; Monitoring, redirecting or constraining transportation systems;
  • Closing public and government facilities; and
  • Increasing or redirecting personnel to address critical emergency needs.

 

 

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