The U.S. Department of Homeland Security continually monitors and analyzes threat information to assess the risk of terrorist attacks. DHS uses the Threat Advisory System to alert citizens, businesses and government agencies to the current risk of terrorist attacks. There may also be times when the Threat Advisory for our specific region could be adjusted, independent of the national level, due to information that is specific or unique to our area.

When the alert level changes, people often wonder what that means to them. The following list provides recommended actions you should take for each level of the Threat Advisory System.

Green Level -- Low Risk of Terrorist Attacks

• Develop a family emergency plan. Share it with family and friends, and practice the plan. Visit www.ready.gov for help creating a plan.
• Create an "Emergency Supply Kit" for your household. See the American Red Cross site for details.
• Be informed. Visit www.ready.gov or call 1-800-BE-READY to obtain a copy of "Preparing Makes Sense, Get Ready Now."
• Know how to shelter-in-place and how to turn off utilities (power, gas and water) to your home.
• Examine volunteer opportunities in your community, such as Citizen Corps, Volunteers in Police Service, Neighborhood Watch or others, and donate your time.
• Consider completing an American Red Cross first aid or CPR course, or Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) course.

Blue Level -- General Risk of Terrorist Attacks

• Complete recommended steps for the Green level.
• Review stored disaster supplies and replace items that are outdated.
• Be alert to suspicious activity and report it to the proper authorities.

Yellow Level -- Significant Risk of Terrorist Attacks

• Complete recommended steps for the Green and Blue levels.
• Ensure that your disaster supply kit is stocked and ready.
• Check telephone numbers in your family emergency plan and update as necessary.
• Develop alternate routes to and from work or school and practice them.
• Continue to be alert for suspicious activity and report it to authorities.

Orange -- High Risk of Terrorist Attacks

• Complete recommended steps for the Green, Blue and Yellow levels.
• Exercise caution when traveling, and pay attention to travel advisories.
• Review your family emergency plan and make sure all family members know what to do.
• Be patient. Expect some delays, baggage searches and restrictions at public buildings.
• Check on neighbors or others that might need assistance in an emergency.

Red -- Severe Risk of Terrorist Attacks

• Complete recommended steps for the Green, Blue, Yellow and Orange levels.
• Listen to announcements from local emergency management officials.
• Stay tuned to TV or radio for current information/instructions.
• Be prepared to shelter-in-place or evacuate as instructed.
• Expect traffic delays and restrictions.
• Provide volunteer services only as requested.
• Contact your school or business to determine the status of the work day.

Information on this page was obtained from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Web site, www.ready.gov