Color-Coded System

Homeland Security Color-Coded System and Its Meaning

The Homeland Security advisory system was created to effectively communicate the risk of terrorist attacks to authorities and the public.

President Bush signed Homeland Security Presidential Directive 3 to establish the Homeland Security Advisory System (HSAS) . This system aims to enhance coordination and communication between government levels and the public in the fight against terrorism by providing information about the risk of terrorist attacks.

Public Announcements

A unified system for public announcements regarding threat advisories and alerts is essential for deterring terrorist activity and informing law enforcement, government officials, and the public. State and local officials will be notified in advance of national threat advisories when possible. The Attorney General will establish a system for quickly sharing relevant information with Federal, State, local officials, and the private sector. Heightened Threat Conditions can be declared nationally or for specific regions or sectors, with changes made as necessary.

National Framework

The national framework facilitates communication among federal, state, local governments, private industry, and the public about various alert systems tailored to sectors like agriculture, defense, transportation, and weather. The Homeland Security Advisory System defines levels of vigilance and preparedness through graduated Threat Conditions. Corresponding Protective Measures help guide government and citizen responses to terrorist activities, with federal agencies implementing measures based on threat levels and encouraging states and localities to adopt compatible systems.

Threat Condition Assignment Factors

The Homeland Security Advisory System provides a framework for the Attorney General, in consultation with the Director of the Office of Homeland Security, to assign Threat Conditions nationally, regionally, by sector, or to specific targets. Cabinet Secretaries and members of the Homeland Security Council will be consulted as needed. Factors for assessment include:

  • Severity of the threat
  • Corroboration of the threat
  • Specificity and imminence of the threat
  • Credibility of the threat