Emergency Management

Homeland Security Advisory System

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

www.dhs.gov

Other Related Links:

www.fema.gov
www.ready.gov

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.