Timely, Detailed
Information
National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS) alerts communicate
information about terrorist threats by providing timely, detailed information
to the public, government agencies, first responders, public sector
organizations, airports and other transportation hubs.
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.
Clear statements of an
imminent or elevated threat
The National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS) website is the
authoritative source for information about the current NTAS level. It
will always contain the most up-to-date information on the Advisory System
status.
NTAS Alerts will only be issued when credible information is
available. After reviewing the available information, the Secretary of
Homeland Security will decide, in coordination with other Federal entities,
whether an NTAS Alert should be issued.
The 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.
These alerts will include a clear statement that there is an
imminent threat or elevated threat.
- An
imminent threat warns of a credible, specific, and impending terrorist
threat against the United States.
- An
elevated threat warns of a credible terrorist threat against the United
States.
NTAS Alerts contain a sunset provision indicating 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.
Hear About Alerts
Through our Website or Social Media Channels
NTAS is built on a clear and simple premise: When a threat
develops that could impact you – the public – we will tell you. We will provide
whatever information we can so you know how to protect yourselves, your
families, and your communities.
For Americans, this will mean some visible changes. You won’t
hear the old color-code announcements when you go to airports, or see them when
you visit a government website. Instead, when a threat arises that could affect
you and your family, you will hear about it through an NTAS Alert issued by DHS
through official channels, such as the NTAS Alerts Page, the news media,
and via social media channels such as Facebook and Twitter.
Other Types of Alerts
Travel alerts and warnings are maintained by the U.S.
Department of State and are a resource for international travelers to consider
for safe travel overseas.
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