Updated January 28, 2011
The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced the replacement of the color-coded terrorism threat advisory system with a new National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS) designed to provide more timely and specific details about terrorist threats.The color-coded terrorism advisory system, put in place after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks, had been criticized for failing to provide any specific information and for too often "crying wolf" about vague terrorist threats. Set at orange -- meaning a high level of threat - since 2006, the color-coded terror warning announcements had become disregarded as nothing more than background noise at US airports.
The New National Terrorism Advisory System
According to Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, the new National Terrorism Advisory System will provide the public and all law enforcement agencies with detailed information about specific or credible terrorist threats. Instead of the old color-coded warnings, the new NTAS alerts will clearly state that there is either an "imminent threat" or "elevated threat."
In addition, noted Napolitano, the new NTAS alerts will include a concise summary of the terrorist threat along with the specific steps public safety officials and the public should take in reaction to the threat.
Location-Specific and Nationwide Alerts
The new NTAS alerts will be based on the exact nature of the threat and, in many cases, sent only to law enforcement agencies and the public in the areas affected by the threat. For example, a terrorist threat directed at Los Angeles International Airport would result in a NTAS alert affecting the Los Angeles area only. In other cases, NTAS alerts will be issued more broadly nationwide.
NTAS Alerts Will Not 'Go on Forever'
The new NTAS terrorism threat alerts will include a "sunset provision," stating a specific end date for the threat. Alerts may be extended if new information becomes available or if the threat evolves significantly.
How NTAS Terror Threat Alerts will be Distributed
NTAS terror threat alerts will be issued through both official law enforcement and public media sources, including the official DHS National Terrorism Advisory System webpage, as well as Facebook and Twitter -- @NTASAlerts.
A 'Clear and Simple Premise'
"This new system is built on a clear and simple premise: when a credible threat develops that could impact the public, we will tell you and provide whatever information we can so that you know how to keep yourselves, your families and your communities safe," stated Secretary Napolitano.
