Homeland Security Advisory System (HSAS) Threat Condition
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.
President Bush signed Homeland Security Presidential Directive 3 creating the Homeland Security Advisory System (HSAS). The advisory system provides 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 US Attorney General is responsible for developing, implementing and managing the system.
This advisory system characterizes appropriate levels of vigilance, preparedness and readiness in a series of graduated Threat Conditions. The Protective Measures that correspond to each Threat Condition will help the government and citizens decide what action they take to help counter and respond to terrorist activity.
The Homeland Security Advisory System will provide a framework for the Attorney General, in consultation with the Director of the Office of Homeland Security, to assign Threat Conditions, which can apply nationally, regionally, by sector or to a potential target. Cabinet Secretaries and other members of the Homeland Security Council will be consulted as 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 deter terrorist activity, notify law enforcement and State and local government officials of threats, inform the public about government preparations, and provide them with the information necessary to respond to the threat. State and local officials will be informed in advance of national threat advisories when possible. The Attorney General will develop a system for conveying relevant information to Federal, State, and local officials, and the private sector expeditiously.
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
STATE ACTIONS
The state will continue to develop and refine emergency response plans and conduct training exercises.
CITIZEN ACTIONS
You should develop an emergency communications plan and stock an emergency kit.
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
STATE ACTIONS
The state will put key emergency response personnel on stand-by and provide information to the public as needed.
CITIZEN ACTIONS
You should be alert for and report any suspicious activity to the proper authorities. Review your emergency kit and replace outdated items.
General risk of terrorist attack. The following Protective Measuresmay 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;
- 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
STATE ACTIONS
The state will increase surveillance at critical locations such as power plants, bridges and tunnels.
CITIZEN ACTIONS
You should develop alternative routes for travel between work, home and school. Be prepared to assist and/or offer assistance to those with special needs and people who are older.
Significant 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;
- Regularly assessing facilities for vulnerabilities and taking measures to reduce them;
- Checking communications with designated emergency response or command locations;
- Reviewing and updating emergency response procedures;
- Providing the public with necessary information;
- 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
STATE ACTIONS
The state may activate Emergency Operations Centers and begin to restrict access to some critical locations.
CITIZEN ACTIONS
You should review your emergency communications plan with your family and monitor the news for further information and instructions.
High risk of terrorist attacks. The following Protective Measuresmay 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;
Checking communications with designated emergency response or command locations;
Reviewing and updating emergency response procedures;
Providing the public with necessary information;
Increasing surveillance of critical locations;
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
STATE ACTIONS
The state may restrict transportation and access to critical locations.
CITIZEN ACTIONS
You must adhere to the restrictions announced by authorities and prepare to evacuate, if instructed. Stay alert for emergency messages.
Severe risk of terrorist attacks. The following Protective Measuresmay 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;
Checking communications with designated emergency response or command locations;
Reviewing and updating emergency response procedures;
Providing the public with necessary information;
Increasing surveillance of critical locations;
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;
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.
