More from Homeland Security

• Citizen Guidance on the Homeland Security Advisory System (PDF - 1 page, 132 KB)
• HSAS Guidance for Federal Departments & Agencies
• Chronology of Changes to the Homeland Security Advisory System

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Homeland Security Advisory System

Current Threat Level

November 13, 2006 – The United States government threat level remains at Code Orange, or High for all domestic and international flights. The ban on liquids and gels in carry on baggage remains in full effect. Nationally, in other sectors, the threat level remains at Code Yellow, or Elevated.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) new security procedures were updated Monday, September 25, 2006. These new measures adjusted bans on liquids, aerosols and gels. More information is available at TSA.gov.

Recommended Activities

All Americans, including those traveling in the transportation systems, should continue to be vigilant, take notice of their surroundings, and report suspicious items or activities to local authorities immediately.

Everybody should establish an emergency preparedness kit as well as a communications plan for themselves and their family, and stay informed about what to do during an emergency situation.

Learn More About Preparedness

• All Americans can visit www.ready.gov

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About the Homeland Security Advisory System

The Homeland Security Advisory System is designed to target our protective measures when specific information to a specific sector or geographic region is received.  It combines threat information with vulnerability assessments and provides communications to public safety officials and the public.  

• Homeland Security Threat Advisories contain actionable information about an incident involving, or a threat targeting, critical national networks or infrastructures or key assets.  They could, for example, relay newly developed procedures that, when implemented, would significantly improve security or protection.  They could also suggest a change in readiness posture, protective actions, or response. This category includes products formerly named alerts, advisories, and sector notifications.  Advisories are targeted to Federal, state, and local governments, private sector organizations, and international partners.  
• Homeland Security Information Bulletins communicate information of interest to the nation’s critical infrastructures that do not meet the timeliness, specificity, or significance thresholds of warning messages.  Such information may include statistical reports, periodic summaries, incident response or reporting guidelines, common vulnerabilities and patches, and configuration standards or tools.  It also may include preliminary requests for information.  Bulletins are targeted to Federal, state, and local governments, private sector organizations, and international partners.
• Color-coded Threat Level System is used to communicate with public safety officials and the public at-large through a threat-based, color-coded system so that protective measures can be implemented to reduce the likelihood or impact of an attack.  Raising the threat condition has economic, physical, and psychological effects on the nation; so, the Homeland Security Advisory System can  place specific geographic regions or industry sectors on a higher alert status than other regions or industries, based on specific threat information.

This page was last modified on November 13, 2006