Homeland Security Advisory System
Recommendations for Public Response

The Nation requires a Homeland Security Advisory System to provide a comprehensive and effective means to disseminate information regarding the risk of terrorist acts to Federal, State, and local authorities and to the American people.

The colors and associated risk levels, from highest to lowest, are as follows:

GREEN (Low Condition) there is a low risk of terrorist attacks.

BLUE (Guarded Condition) there is a general risk of terrorist attacks.

YELLOW (Elevated Condition) there is a significant risk of terrorist attacks.

ORANGE (High Condition) there is a high risk of terrorist attacks.

RED (Severe Condition) there is a severe risk of terrorist attacks.

LOW CONDITION (GREEN)
Citizens are advised to:

Continue to enjoy individual freedom. Participate freely in travel, work
    and recreational activities.
Be prepared for disasters and family emergencies.
    (Contact the American Red Cross at 1-866-GET-INFO).
Develop a family emergency plan. (FEMA and American Red Cross
    have brochures.)
Know how to turn off your power, gas and water service to your house.
Know what hazardous materials are stored in your home and how to
    properly dispose of unneeded chemicals.
Support the efforts of your local emergency responders (fire fighters,
    law enforcement and emergency medical service).
Know what natural hazards are prevalent in your area and what measures
    you can take to protect your family.

GUARDED CONDITION (BLUE)
In addition to all previously mentioned precautions, citizens are advised to:

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.

ELEVATED CONDITION (YELLOW)
In addition to all previously mentioned precautions, citizens are advised to:

Continue normal activities, but report suspicious activities to the local
    law enforcement agencies.
Take a first aid or CPR class.
Become active in your local Neighborhood Crime Watch program.
Network with your family, neighbors and community for mutual support
    during a disaster or terrorist attack.
Learn what critical facilities are located in your community and report
    suspicious activities at or near these sites.
Attend your local emergency planning committee (LEPC) meeting to
    learn more about local hazards. (Call the city/county emergency manager
    to learn dates and locations of the meetings.)
Increase individual or family emergency preparedness through training,
    maintaining good physical fitness and health, and storing food, water
    and emergency supplies.

HIGH CONDITION (ORANGE):
In addition to all previously mentioned precautions, citizens are advised to:

Resume normal activities but expect some delays, baggage searches
    and restrictions as a result of heightened security at public buildings
    and facilities.
Continue to monitor world and local events as well as local government
    threat advisories.
Report suspicious activities at or near critical facilities to local law
    enforcement agencies by calling 9-1-1.
Avoid leaving unattended packages or briefcases in public areas.
Inventory and organize emergency supply kits and discuss emergency plans
    with family members. Reevaluate meeting location based on threat.
Consider taking reasonable personal security precautions. Be alert to your
    surroundings, avoid placing yourself in a vulnerable situation and monitor
    the activities of your children.
Maintain close contact with your family and neighbors to ensure their safety
    and emotional welfare.

SEVERE CONDITION (RED):
In addition to all previously mentioned precautions, citizens are advised to:

Report suspicious activities and call 9-1-1 for immediate response.
Expect delays, searches of purses and bags and restricted access to public
    buildings.
Expect traffic delays and restrictions.
Take personal security precautions to avoid becoming a victim of crime or
    terrorist attack.
Do not travel into areas affected by the attack or in an expected terrorist
    target.
Keep emergency supplies accessible and automobile fuel tank full.
Be prepared to evacuate your home or shelter in place on order of local
    authorities.
Be suspicious of persons taking photographs of critical facilities, asking
    detailed questions about physical security or dressed inappropriately for
    weather conditions (suicide bomber). Report these incidents immediately
    to law enforcement.
Closely monitor news reports and Emergency Alert System (EAS)
    radio/TV stations.
Assist neighbors who may need help.
Avoid passing unsubstantiated information and rumors.

 

Questions about disaster preparedness?

Contact the American Red Cross at 1-866-GET-INFO or visit www.redcross.org

Call the Ionia County Health Department at (616) 527-5340.

 

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