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.

DISCLAIMER: The appearance of hyperlinks does not constitute endorsement by the DOA, DOD or Florida Army Mars of these Web sites or the information,  products or services contained therein. Florida Army Mars does not exercise any editorial control over the information you may find at these locations. Such links are provided consistent with the stated purpose of this Web site.
The Attorney General will be responsible for developing, implementing and managing the system. In conjunction with the development of this new system, the Attorney General will open a 45-day comment period in order to seek the views of officials at all levels of government, law enforcement and the American public. Ninety days after the conclusion of the comment period, the Attorney General in coordination with the Director of the Office of Homeland Security -- will present a final Homeland Security Advisory System to the President for approval. The Homeland Security Advisory System will provide the following:

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

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.

Written comments may be sent to: Director, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Advisory System, Room 7222, 935 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20535. Comments may also be submitted electronically to: HSAScomments@fbi.gov