Homeland Security Color-Coded Alert System

The government uses a color-coded advisory system to alert the public as the risk of a terrorist attack increases. In addition to the steps that government agencies take, here are some steps that you can take as a citizen at each level...

When the Homeland Security Office puts out a Green, Low Threat, Low Risk Level, it means that there is a low risk of terrorism.  Routine security is implemented to preclude routine criminal threats.

• You should continue to enjoy individual freedom.  Participate freely in travel, work, and recreational activities.
• Be prepared for disasters and family emergencies.
• Develop a family emergency plan.
• Keep recommended immunizations up to date.
• Know how to turn off your power, gas and water service to your house.
• Know what hazardous materials are stored in your home and how to properly dispose of unneeded chemicals.
• Support the efforts of your local emergency responders (fire fighters, law enforcement and emergency medical services).
• Know what natural hazards are most like to occur in your area and what measures you can take to protect your family.
• Volunteer to assist and support the community emergency response agencies.

At the time that a Guarded, Blue Threat is announced it means that there a general risk with no credible threats to specific targets.  Routine security is implemented to preclude routine criminal threats.

In addition to previously mentioned precautions, citizens are advised to:

• Continue normal activities, but be watchful for suspicious activities.  Report criminal activity to local law enforcement.
• Review family emergency plans. 
• Increase family emergency preparedness by purchasing supplies, food, and storing water.
• Be familiar with local natural and technological (man-made) hazards in the community.
• Increase individual or family emergency preparedness through training, maintaining good physical fitness and health, and storing food, water, and emergency supplies.
• Monitor local and national news for terrorist alerts.

When they move us to an Elevated Risk, Yellow there is elevated risk of terrorist attack but a specific region of the USA or target has not been identified.

In addition to previously mentioned precautions, you should do the following:

• Continue normal activities, but report suspicious activities to local law enforcement agencies.
• Take a first aid class.
• Become active in your local Neighborhood Crime Watch. Take "Neighbors Helping Neighbors," a program sponsored by the Baltimore County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management that teaches citizens how to get through the first 72 hours after a disaster.
• Network with your family, neighbors, and community for mutual support during a disaster or terrorist attack.
• Learn what critical facilities are located in your community and report suspicious activities at or near these sites.
• Contact local officials to learn about specific hazards in your community.
• Increase individual or family emergency preparedness through training, maintained good physical fitness and health, and storing food, water and emergency supplies.
• Monitor media reports concerning situation.   

High Risk or an Orange Threat means that credible intelligence indicates that there is a high risk of a local terrorist attack but a specific target has not been identified.

In addition to previously mentioned precautions, you should do the following:

• Resume normal activities, but expect some delays, baggage searches, and restrictions as a result of heightened security at public buildings and facilities.
• Continue to monitor world and local events as well as local government threat advisories.
• Report suspicious activities at or near critical facilities to local law enforcement agencies. Avoid leaving unattended packages or brief cases in public areas.
• Inventory and organize emergency supply kits and discuss emergency plans with family members.  Reevaluate meeting location based on threat.
• Consider taking reasonable personal security precautions.  Be alert to your surroundings, avoid placing yourself in a vulnerable situation, and monitor the activities of your children.
• Maintain close contact with your family and neighbors to ensure their safety and emotional welfare.

At the Severe Imminent Threat, Red, a terrorist attack has occurred, or credible and corroborated intelligence indicates that one is imminent.  Normally this threat condition is declared for a specific location or critical facility.

In addition to previously mentioned precautions, you should do the following:

• Report suspicious activities and call 911 for immediate responses.
• Expect delays, searches of purses and bags and restricted access to public buildings.
• Take personal security precautions to avoid becoming a victim of crime or terrorist attack.
• Avoid crowded public areas and gatherings.
• Do not travel into areas affected by the attach or is an expected terrorist target.
• Keep emergency supplies accessible and automobile fuel tank full.
• Be prepared to evacuate your home or shelter in place on order of local authorities.
• Be suspicious of persons taking photographs of critical facilities, asking detailed questions about physical security or dressed inappropriately for weather conditions (suicide bomber). Report these incidents immediately to law enforcement.
• Closely monitor news reports and Emergency Alert System (EAS) radio/TV stations.
• Assist neighbors who may need help.
• Avoid passing unsubstantiated information and rumors.

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Revised August 27, 2009