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Understanding the Homeland Security Advisory System:
The world has changed since
September 11, 2001. We remain a nation at risk to terrorist attacks and will
remain at risk for the foreseeable future. At all Threat Conditions, we must
remain vigilant, prepared, and ready to deter terrorist attacks. 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.
"Homeland
Security Website"
At the Department of Homeland Security,
throughout the federal government, and at organizations
across America we are working hard to strengthen our
Nation's security. Whenever possible, we want to stop
terrorist attacks before they happen. All Americans
should begin a process of learning about potential
threats so we are better prepared to react during an
attack.
Need help developing a
Crisis Response Plan
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The Homeland Security Advisory System will provide a
comprehensive and effective means to disseminate information regarding the
risk of terrorist attacks to Federal, State, and local authorities and to
the American people.
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, President Bush signed
Homeland Security Presidential Directive 3, creating the Homeland Security
Advisory System (HSAS). The advisory system will be the foundation for
building a comprehensive and effective communications structure for the
dissemination of information regarding the risk of terrorist attacks to all
levels of government and the American people.
View more information:
White House Press Release (PDF)
HSAS Security Advisory FAQ's (PDF)
www.homelandsecurity.gov
www.whitehouse.gov/
A tool to combat terrorism. Threat
Conditions characterize the risk of terrorist attack. Protective Measures
are the steps that will be taken by government and the private sector to
reduce vulnerabilities. The HSAS establishes five Threat Conditions with
associated suggested Protective Measures:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
For additional information see:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/homeland/
(See
SCHOOL
SAFETY SITE ASSESSMENT).
If
you have any comments or questions please Email us at keys@keystosaferschools.com.
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1(501)847-2596
