Homeland Security Advisory System
Purpose
The Homeland Security Advisory System provides a comprehensive and effective means to disseminate information regarding the risk of terrorist acts to Federal, State, and local authorities and to the American public. The system is designed to provide warnings in the form of a set of graduated "Threat Conditions" that increase as the risk of the threat increases. At each Threat Condition, Federal departments and agencies implement a corresponding set of "Protective Measures" to further reduce vulnerability or increase response capability during a period of heightened alert.
Homeland Security Advisory System
There are five Homeland Security Advisory 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.
The higher the Threat Condition, the greater the risk of a terrorist attack. Risk includes both the probability of an attack occurring and its potential gravity. Threat Conditions are assigned by the Attorney General in consultation with the Department of Homeland Security.
Threat Conditions may be assigned for the entire Nation, or they may be set for a particular geographic area or industrial sector. Assigned Threat Conditions are reviewed at regular intervals to determine whether adjustments are warranted.
What Do Threat Conditions Mean As An Ordinary Citizen?
As threat conditions change, individuals and families should take appropriate actions to prepare themselves in the event of terrorist attacks. The following links provide information on recommended actions for citizens during different threat conditions.
Homeland Security Advisory: Low (Green)
Homeland Security Advisory: Guarded (Blue)
Homeland Security Advisory: Elevated (Yellow)
Homeland Security Condition: Guarded
Homeland Security Condition: Elevated
Homeland Security Condition: High
Homeland Security Condition: Severe
