National Terrorism Advisory System replaces American colour-coded alert system

Threats will now be classed as an 'Elevated Threat' or an 'Imminent Threat'

The Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS) has been implemented in America, which will replace the former colour-coded terrorist alert system.

A public guide will also be released outlining the new system to the American public, along with an example of an NTAS Alert that would be issued to the public if the government were to receive information about a specific or credible terrorist threat.

Under NTAS, DHS will coordinate with other federal entities to issue detailed alerts to the public when the federal government receives information about a credible terrorist threat.
NTAS alerts provide a concise summary of the potential threat including geographic region, mode of transportation, or critical infrastructure potentially affected by the threat, actions being taken to ensure public safety, as well as recommended steps that individuals, communities, business and governments can take to help prevent, mitigate or respond to a threat.

NTAS Alerts will include a clear statement on the nature of the threat, which will be defined in one of two ways, either 'Elevated Threat', which warns of a credible terrorist threat against the United States and 'Imminent Threat', which warns of a credible, specific, and impending terrorist threat against the US.

Depending on the nature of the threat, alerts may be sent to law enforcement, distributed to affected areas of the private sector, or issued more broadly to the public through both official and social media channels including Facebook, and Twitter.

NTAS alerts and posters will also be displayed in places such as airports and government buildings.

NTAS threat alerts will be issued for a specific time period and will automatically expire. They may be extended if new information becomes available or as a specific threat evolves.

Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano said: "The terrorist threat facing our country has evolved significantly over the past ten years, and in today’s environment – more than ever – we know that the best security strategy is one that counts on the American public as a key partner in securing our country."

Further information:
Department of Homeland Security