Homeland Security Advisory System
There are five Threat Conditions, each identified
by a description and corresponding color. From
lowest to highest, the levels and colors are:
Low = Green;
Guarded = Blue;
Elevated = Yellow;
High = Orange;
Severe = Red.
What does this mean to you? |
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Low Condition (Green). This condition
is declared when there is a low risk of
terrorist attacks.
Members of the public can:
- Develop a household disaster plan and assemble a disaster supply kit.
Guarded Condition (Blue).This
condition is declared when there is a general risk of terrorist attacks.
Members of the public, in addition to the actions
taken for the previous threat condition, can:
- Update their disaster supply kit;
- Hold a household meeting to discuss incident;
- Develop a more detailed household communication plan;
- Apartment residents should discuss with building managers steps to
be taken during an emergency; and
- People with special needs should discuss their emergency plans with
friends, family or employers
Elevated Condition (Yellow).
An Elevated significant risk of terrorist attacks.
Members of the public, in addition to the actions taken for the previous
threat conditions, can:
- Be observant of any suspicious activity and report it to authorities;
- Contact neighbors to discuss their plans and needs;
- Check with school officials to determine their plans for an emergency
and
procedures to reunite children with parents and caregivers; and
- Update the household communication plan.
High Condition (Orange). A
High Condition is declared when there is a high risk
of terrorist attacks.
Members of the public, in addition to the actions
taken for the previous threat conditions, can:
- Review preparedness measures (including evacuation and sheltering)
for potential terrorist actions including chemical, biological, and
radiological
attacks;
- Avoid high profile or symbolic locations; and
- Exercise caution when traveling.
Severe Condition (Red). A
Severe Condition reflects a severe risk of terrorist
attacks.Under most circumstances, the protective measures for a Severe
Condi-
tion are not intended to be sustained for substantial periods of time.
Members of the public, in addition to the actions
taken for the previous threat conditions, can:
- Avoid public gathering places such as sports arenas, holiday gatherings,
or
other high risk locations;
- Follow official instructions about restrictions to normal activities;
- Contact employer to determine status of work;
- Listen to the radio and TV for possible advisories or warnings; and
- Prepare to take protective actions such as sheltering-in-place or
evacuation if
instructed to do so by public officials.
This information was taken from the Are You Ready? A Guide to Citizen
Preparedness which can be found here on the Federal Emergency Management Agency website. |
