| The Homeland
Security Advisory System was designed after 9/11 to provide warnings to
the American people about the threat level for a terrorist attack. There
are five "threat conditions," and each has a specific color. Your federal
government and emergency managers have specific actions they take
depending on the threat level. The greater the risk of a terrorist attack,
the higher the threat level.
Who decides what the threat level is? The nation's Attorney General and the Secretary for Homeland Security make that decision. The threat level is constantly reviewed and may be changed. These are the levels:
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Low Condition (Green). There is a
low risk of terrorist attacks. 
Guarded Condition (Blue). There is a
general risk of terrorist attacks. 
Elevated Condition (Yellow). There
is a significant risk of terrorist attacks. The public should be alert
to suspicious activity.
High Condition (Orange). There is a
high risk of terrorist attacks. Officials will take additional
precautions at public events and restrict access to some specific sites
within a city or area. 
Severe Condition (Red). There is a
severe risk of terrorist attacks and is the highest level. Officials may
close public and government buildings, activate special teams and limit
transportation systems. People should avoid public gathering places and
stay tuned to the media.