National Homeland Security Knowledgebase
 What is the Alert Advisory System


 


Bonham, Fannin County, Texas

Alert Advisory System

Citizen Guidance on the Homeland Security Advisory System

Risk of Attack

Recommended Actions for Citizens

Green

Low Risk

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Develop a family emergency plan. Share it with family and friends, and practice the plan. Visit www.Ready.gov for help creating a plan.

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Create an "Emergency Supply Kit" for your household.

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Be informed. Visit www.Ready.gov or obtain a copy of "Preparing Makes Sense, Get Ready Now" by calling 1-800-BE-READY.

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Know how to shelter-in-place and how to turn off utilities (power, gas, and water) to your home.

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Examine volunteer opportunities in your community, such as Citizen Corps, Volunteers in Police Service, Neighborhood Watch or others, and donate your time.

bullet Consider completing an American Red Cross first aid or CPR course , or Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) course .
   

Blue

Guarded Risk

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Complete recommended steps at level green.

bullet Review stored disaster supplies and replace items that are outdated.
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Be alert to suspicious activity and report it to proper authorities.

 

   

Yellow

Elevated Risk

bullet Complete recommended steps at levels green and blue.
bullet Ensure disaster supply kit is stocked and ready.
bullet Check telephone numbers in family emergency plan and update as necessary.
bullet Develop alternate routes to/from work or school and practice them.
bullet Elevated Risk Continue to be alert for suspicious activity and report it to authorities.
   

Orange

High Risk

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

Red

Severe Risk

bullet Complete all recommended actions at lower levels.
bullet Listen to local emergency management officials.
bullet Stay tuned to TV or radio for current information/instructions.
bullet Be prepared to shelter-in-place or evacuate, as instructed.
bullet Expect traffic delays and restrictions.
bullet Provide volunteer services only as requested.
bullet Contact your school/business to determine status of work day.

*Developed with input from the American Red Cross.

 

Guidance for Federal Departments and Agencies

The following Threat Conditions each represent an increasing risk of terrorist attacks. Beneath each Threat Condition are some suggested Protective Measures, recognizing that the heads of Federal departments and agencies are responsible for developing and implementing appropriate agency-specific Protective Measures:

Green

Low Risk

This condition is declared when there is a low risk of terrorist attacks. Federal departments and agencies should consider the following general measures in addition to the agency-specific Protective Measures they develop and implement:

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Refining and exercising as appropriate preplanned Protective Measures;

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Ensuring personnel receive proper training on the Homeland Security Advisory System and specific preplanned department or agency Protective Measures; and

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Institutionalizing a process to assure that all facilities and regulated sectors are regularly assessed for vulnerabilities to terrorist attacks, and all reasonable measures are taken to mitigate these vulnerabilities.

   

Blue

Guarded Risk

This condition is declared when there is a general risk of terrorist attacks. In addition to the Protective Measures taken in the previous Threat Condition, Federal departments and agencies should consider the following general measures in addition to the agency-specific Protective Measures that they will develop and implement:

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Checking communications with designated emergency response or command locations;

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Reviewing and updating emergency response procedures; and

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Providing the public with any information that would strengthen its ability to act appropriately.

   

Yellow

Elevated Risk

An Elevated Condition is declared when there is a significant risk of terrorist attacks. In addition to the Protective Measures taken in the previous Threat Conditions, Federal departments and agencies should consider the following general measures in addition to the Protective Measures that they will develop and implement:

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Increasing surveillance of critical locations;

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Coordinating emergency plans as appropriate with nearby jurisdictions;

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Assessing whether the precise characteristics of the threat require the further refinement of preplanned Protective Measures; and

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Implementing, as appropriate, contingency and emergency response plans.

   

Orange

High Risk

A High Condition is declared when there is a high risk of terrorist attacks. In addition to the Protective Measures taken in the previous Threat Conditions, Federal departments and agencies should consider the following general measures in addition to the agency-specific Protective Measures that they will develop and implement:

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Coordinating necessary security efforts with Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies or any National Guard or other appropriate armed forces organizations;

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Taking additional precautions at public events and possibly considering alternative venues or even cancellation;

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Preparing to execute contingency procedures, such as moving to an alternate site or dispersing their workforce; and

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Restricting threatened facility access to essential personnel only.

   

Red

Severe Risk

A Severe Condition reflects a severe risk of terrorist attacks. Under most circumstances, the Protective Measures for a Severe Condition are not intended to be sustained for substantial periods of time. In addition to the Protective Measures in the previous Threat Conditions, Federal departments and agencies also should consider the following general measures in addition to the agency-specific Protective Measures that they will develop and implement:

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Increasing or redirecting personnel to address critical emergency needs;

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Assigning emergency response personnel and pre-positioning and mobilizing specially trained teams or resources;

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Monitoring, redirecting, or constraining transportation systems; and

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Closing public and government facilities.


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Revised:  Tuesday, February 05, 2013 11:02:30 CT
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