Guarded Condition (Blue)

This condition is declared when there is a general risk of terrorist attacks. In addition to the protective measures taken in the previous threat condition, public safety agencies should consider:

• Checking communications with designated emergency response or command locations;

• Reviewing and updating emergency response procedures;

• Providing the public with any information that would strengthen its ability to act appropriately

Elevated Condition (Yellow)

This condition is declared when there is a significant risk of terrorist attacks. In addition to the protective measures taken in the previous threat conditions, public safety agencies should consider:

• Increasing surveillance of critical locations; coordinating emergency plans with nearby jurisdictions;

• Assessing whether the precise characteristics of the threat require further refinement of preplanned protective measures;

• Implementing, as appropriate, contingency, and emergency response plans.

High Condition (Orange)

This condition is declared when there is a high risk of terrorist attacks. In addition to the protective measures taken in the previous threat conditions, public safety agencies should consider:

• Coordinating necessary security efforts with Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies or any National Guard or other appropriate armed forces organizations;

• Taking additional precautions at public events and possibly considering alternative venues or cancellation;

• Preparing to execute contingency procedures, such as moving to an alternate site or dispersing their workforce;

• Restricting threatened facility access to essential personnel only.

Severe Condition (Red)

This 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. In addition to the protective measures in the previous threat conditions, public safety agencies should consider:

• Increasing or redirecting personnel to address critical emergency needs;

• Assigning emergency response personnel and pre-positioning and mobilizing specially trained teams or resources;

• Monitoring, redirecting, or constraining transportation systems; 

• Closing public and government facilities.