Homeland Security Advisory System

Severe Threat - Red Level - Imminent Risk

        Definition: A terrorist attack has occurred or credible and corroborated intelligence indicates that one is imminent. Normally, this threat condition is declared for a specific location or critical facility.

In addition to all previously mentioned precautions, residents 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.
• Residents should have an emergency "GO KIT" stocked and in place ready to go (medicines and medical supplies, glasses, contacts, important legal and financial papers) and emergency supplies kits (first aid kits, duct tape, blankets, non-perishable food, water) for sheltering in place, if requested to do so.
• Take personal security precautions to avoid becoming a victim of crime or terrorist attack.
• Avoid participating in crowded optional public gatherings, such as sporting events and concerts. However, do not avoid going to public emergency gathering locations such as hospitals and shelters, if directed or necessary. These locations will have developed and initiated a strong security plan to protect the residents.
• Do not travel into areas affected by the attack or that are likely to become an expected terrorist target.
• Keep emergency supplies accessible and automobile fuel tank full.
• Be prepared to either 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. 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.
• Ensure that pets can be readied quickly for boarding or evacuation, if necessary.
• Avoid passing unsubstantiated information and rumors.
• Prepare to activate your personal Family Emergency Plan.

In addition to all previously mentioned precautions, business owners and managers are advised to:

• Announce Threat Condition SEVERE and explain expected actions.
• Deploy security personnel based on threat assessments.
• Close or restrict entry to the facility to emergency personnel only and restrict parking areas close to critical buildings.
• Maintain a skeleton crew of emergency employees.
• Deploy emergency response and security teams.
• Activate Operations Centers (if applicable)
• Maintain close contact with local law enforcement, emergency management officials and business consortium groups (Chamber of Commerce, Board of Trade, etc…)
• Be prepared to implement mutual aid agreements with government and with other similar/neighboring businesses/industries.
• Provide security in parking lots and company areas.
• Report suspicious activity immediately to local law enforcement.
• Restrict or suspend all deliveries and mail to the facility. Emergency supplies or essential shipments should be sent to an off-site location for inspection.
• Activate your business emergency/contingency plan.