Homeland Security Advisory System

The Homeland Security Advisory System shall be binding on the executive branch and suggested, although voluntary, to other levels of government and the private sector. There are five Threat Conditions, each identified by a description and corresponding color.

Select a level to learn more about it.

• Ensure that key leaders are familiar with the emergency response and business resumption plans.
• Review, update and routinely exercise for functional areas of plans.
• Review and update the call down list for emergency response teams.
• Develop or review Mutual Aid agreements with other facilities and/or with local government for use during emergencies.
• Review physical security precautions to prevent theft, unauthorized entry or destruction of property.
• Have you provided for:
• Employee picture ID badges?
• Background checks on all employees?
• Access control and locking of high security areas at all times?
• All security keys marked with �Do not Duplicate?
• Surveillance Cameras?
• Backup power?
• An alarm system?

• Estimate the threat vulnerability of each critical facility and the countermeasures required to protect them.
• Ensure that each department is familiar with their assigned responsibilities during a disaster as shown in the plan and are prepared to respond.
• Review communications plans and ensure the call-down procedures are current and accurate.
• Conduct emergency management training and exercise emergency response plans.
• Ensure all emergency management and response functions are adequately staffed. Recruit and train volunteers to augment full time staff.
• Actively support the Neighborhood Watch, Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and Amateur Radio Emergency Service programs.
• Remind citizen and employees to be alert for suspicious packages, activities, vehicles and to report these occurrences to the proper authority.
• Secure buildings, unused rooms, storage areas, equipment and vehicles to prevent theft, tampering or destruction.
• Evaluate information available on public websites that could compromise security.
• Encourage all citizens and employees to have necessary immunizations.

• 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 your 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.
• Update immunizations.
• Volunteer to assist and support the community emergency response agencies.