Homeland Security
Homeland Security
The Homeland Security Advisory System was designed after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks to provide warnings to the American people about the threat level for a terrorist attach. The United States Department of Homeland Security has established threat conditions or levels, and each has a specific color. Government emergency managers have specific actions they take depending on the threat level. The greater the risk of a terrorist attack, the higher the threat level.
The United States Attorney General and the Secretary for Homeland Security establish the threat level. The threat level is constantly reviewed and may be changed at any time.
The five threat levels and their meanings are as follows:
1. Low Condition (Green):
Low risk of terrorist attacks.
Low risk of terrorist attacks.
2. Guarded Condition (Blue):
General risk of terrorist attacks.
General risk of terrorist attacks.
3. Elevated Condition (Yellow):
Significant risk of terrorist attacks. The public should be alert to suspicious activity.
Significant risk of terrorist attacks. The public should be alert to suspicious activity.
4. High Condition (Orange):
High risk of terrorist attacks. Officials will take additional precautions at public events and restrict access to some specific sites within a city or area.
High risk of terrorist attacks. Officials will take additional precautions at public events and restrict access to some specific sites within a city or area.
5. Severe Condition (Red):
Severe risk of terrorist attacks. Officials may close public and government buildings, activate special teams and limit transportation systems. People should avoid public gathering places and stay tuned to the media.
Severe risk of terrorist attacks. Officials may close public and government buildings, activate special teams and limit transportation systems. People should avoid public gathering places and stay tuned to the media.
Homeland Security Advisory System Recommendations
Follow the actions listed below for the different threat levels. The more you know about these levels, the better you can prepare you family.
Follow the actions listed below for the different threat levels. The more you know about these levels, the better you can prepare you family.
Low (Green)
- Contact your local Office of Emergency Services at 719-385-5957, or the American Red Cross at 719-632-3563 for terrorism and preparedness information.
- Develop a personal disaster plan and disaster supplies kit.
Guarded (Blue)
- Be alert to suspicious activity and report it to your local police or workplace security.
- Review stored disaster supplies and replace items that are outdated.
- Develop an emergency communication plan.
- Contact your children's schools to determine their emergency notification and evacuation plans.
- Establish an alternate meeting place away from home.
Elevated (Yellow)
- Be alert to suspicious activity and report it to your local police, sheriff, or workplace security.
- Review your disaster plan with all family members.
- Make sure that your disaster supplies kit is stocked and ready to use.
- Have shelter in place materials on hand.
- Check telephone numbers and e-mail addresses in your family emergency communication plan and update them as necessary.
- Develop alternate routes to/from school/work and practice them.
High (Orange)
- Be alert to suspicious activity and report it to your local police, sheriff, or workplace security.
- Exercise caution when traveling.
- Listen to the radio/TV for current information and/or instructions.
- Ensure that your communication plan is understood and practiced by all family members.
- Discuss children's fears concerning possible terrorist attacks.
- If a need is announced, donate blood at a designated blood collection center.
Severe (Red)
- Listen to the radio/TV for current information and/or instructions.
- Be alert to suspicious activity and report it to your local police, sheriff, or workplace security.
- Contact your business or school to determine the status of the work or school day.
- Adhere to any travel restrictions announced by local authorities.
- Be prepared to shelter in place or evacuate if instructed to do so by local authorities.
- Discuss children’s fears concerning possible or actual terrorist attacks.
Suspicious Activities
- Unusual behavior, incidents, or smells
- Unusual dress for the season
- Large purchases of fertilizer or similar products
- Missing uniforms or identification
- Unusual or unattended packages or suitcases
To check the current threat level, you can visit http://www.dhs.gov. Click on the Threat Advisory image for any additional information.
Information Sources:
"FEMA: KIDS - Homeland Security Advisory System"
The American Red Cross "Homeland Security Advisory System Recommendations"
Los Angeles County Chief Administrative Office and the Emergency Survival Program
"FEMA: KIDS - Homeland Security Advisory System"
The American Red Cross "Homeland Security Advisory System Recommendations"
Los Angeles County Chief Administrative Office and the Emergency Survival Program
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