National Homeland Security Advisory System

Responding To Terrorism
National Homeland Security Advisory System

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The Homeland Security Advisory System provides 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.

A tool to combat terrorism. Threat Conditions characterize the risk of terrorist attack. Protective Measures are the steps that will be taken by government and the private sector to reduce vulnerabilities. The HSAS establishes five Threat Conditions with associated suggested Protective Measures:

Low Condition - Green
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 Condition - Blue
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 Condition - Yellow
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 Condition - Orange
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 Condition - Red
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.

Most Wanted Terrorists - If you have any information about these people please contact your local FBI office

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