Last week the federal government announced that on April 26th, the National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS) will replace the color-coded Homeland Security Advisory System (HSAS). The NTAS will more effectively communicate information about terrorist threats by providing timely, detailed information to the public, government agencies, first responders, airports and other transportation hubs, and the private sector. The NTAS recognizes that Americans all share responsibility for the nation's security, and should always be aware of the heightened risk of terrorist attack in the United States and what they should do.
NTAS Alerts will be organized into the following two threat categories:
- Imminent Threat Alert - Warns of a credible, specific, and impending terrorist threat against the United States.
- Elevated Threat Alert - Warns of a credible terrorist threat against the United States.
How the Alerts will Be Issued - After reviewing available information, the Secretary of Homeland Security will decide, in coordination with other Federal entities, whether an NTAS Alert should be issued. NTAS Alerts will only be issued when credible information is available.
What an Alert will Include - NTAS Alerts will include a clear statement that there is an imminent threat or elevated threat. Using available information, the alerts will provide a concise summary of the potential threat, information about actions being taken to ensure public safety, and recommended steps that individuals, communities, businesses and governments can take to help prevent, mitigate or respond to the threat. NTAS Alerts will be based on the nature of the threat: in some cases, alerts will be sent directly to law enforcement or affected areas of the private sector, while in others, alerts will be issued more broadly to the American people through both official and media channels.
Each alert will provide information to the public about the threat, including, if available, the geographic region, mode of transportation, or critical infrastructure potentially affected by the threat; protective actions being taken by authorities, and steps that individuals and communities can take to protect themselves and their families, and help prevent, mitigate or respond to the threat.
Alert Period - An individual threat alert will be issued for a specific time period and then it will automatically expire, although it may be extended if new information becomes available or the threat evolves. NTAS Alerts will include a specific date when the alert expires - there will not be a constant NTAS Alert or blanket warning that there is an overarching threat. If threat information changes for an alert, the Secretary of Homeland Security may announce an updated NTAS Alert. All changes, including the announcement that cancels an NTAS Alert, will be distributed the same way as the original alert.
Terrorism Information - Terrorism information and intelligence will be based on the collection, analysis and reporting of a range of sources and methods. While intelligence may indicate that a threat is credible, specific details may still not be known. As such, Americans should continue to stay informed and vigilant throughout the duration of an NTAS Alert.
"See Something, Say Something" - As always, it is critical to the success of NTAS for citizens and local jurisdictions to report suspicious activity to their local law enforcement authorities. Visit
www.dhs.gov/ifyouseesomethingsaysomething to learn more about the "If You See Something, Say Something™" campaign.
The public can also expect to see alerts in places, both public and private, such as transit hubs, airports and government buildings.
Sample NTAS Alert - A sample NTAS Alert can be viewed at: sample NTAS Alert.
Frequently Asked Questions - A collection of frequently asked questions about the NTAS program can be viewed at: Frequently Asked Questions.