DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

OFFICE OF EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

Homeland Security Advisory System

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Homeland Security Advisory System

The following brief explanation and guidelines for families are taken from the Red Cross Homeland Security Advisory System home page and the US Department of Homeland Security web site. For more details visit the US Department of Homeland Security or the Red Cross Homeland Security Advisory System home page.

1. Low Condition (Green)

A Low Condition is declared when there is a low risk of terrorist attacks.

Obtain copy of Terrorism: Preparing for the Unexpected* brochure from your
local Red Cross chapter
Develop a personal disaster plan and disaster supplies kit using Red Cross
brochures Your Family Disaster Plan* and Your Family Disaster Supplies Kit*
Take a Red Cross CPR/AED and first aid course

2. Guarded Condition (Blue)

A Guarded Condition is declared when there is a general risk of terrorist attacks.

Complete recommended actions at lower level
Be alert to suspicious activity and report it to proper authorities
Review stored disaster supplies and replace items that are outdated
Develop an emergency communication plan that all family members

3. Elevated Condition (Yellow)

An Elevated Condition is declared when there is a significant risk of terrorist attacks.

Complete recommended actions at lower levels
Be alert to suspicious activity and report it to proper authorities
Ensure disaster supplies kit is stocked and ready
Check telephone numbers and e-mail addresses in your family emergencycommunication plan and update as necessary
If not known to you, contact school to determine their emergency
notification and evacuation plans for children
Develop alternate routes to/from school/work and practice them

4. High Condition (Orange)

A High Condition is declared when there is a high risk of terrorist attacks.

Complete recommended actions at lower levels
Be alert to suspicious activity and report it to proper authorities
Review disaster plan with all family members
Ensure communication plan is understood/practiced by all family members
Exercise caution when traveling
Have shelter in place materials on hand and understand procedure
Discuss children’s fears concerning possible terrorist attacks
If a need is announced, donate blood at designated blood collection center

5. Severe Condition (Red)

A Severe Condition reflects a severe risk of terrorist attacks. Under most circumstances, the Protective Measures for a Severe Condition are not intended to be sustained for substantial periods of time.

Complete recommended actions at lower levels
Listen to radio/TV for current information/instructions
Be alert to suspicious activity and report it to proper authorities immediately
Contact business/school to determine status of work/school day
Adhere to any travel restrictions announced by local governmental
authorities
Be prepared to shelter in place or evacuate if instructed to do so by local
governmental authorities
Discuss children’s fears concerning possible/actual terrorist attacks

	Atlantic County Government DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFTEY Office of Emergency Preparedness