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 lowest to highest, are as follows:

LOW CONDITION (GREEN)  there is a low risk of terrorist attacks. 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 you 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) there is a general risk of terrorist attacks. In addition to all previously mentioned precautions, citizens are advised to:

• Continue normal activities, but be watchful of 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)  there is a significant risk of terrorist attacks. 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) there is a high risk of terrorist attacks. 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. Re-evaluate 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) there is a severe risk of terrorist attacks. 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 to a 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.