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    NTAS Public Guide

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    The document summarizes the National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS), which replaced the Homeland Security Advisory System. NTAS aims to effectively communicate information about terrorist threats to the public through timely, detailed alerts. The Secretary of Homeland Security will decide whether to issue an Imminent or Elevated Threat Alert based on credible threat information. Alerts are disseminated through official and media channels, and provide guidance on protective actions and how the public can help prevent, mitigate or respond to the threat.

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    NTAS Public Guide

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    358 views7 pages
    The document summarizes the National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS), which replaced the Homeland Security Advisory System. NTAS aims to effectively communicate information about terrorist threats to the public through timely, detailed alerts. The Secretary of Homeland Security will decide whether to issue an Imminent or Elevated Threat Alert based on credible threat information. Alerts are disseminated through official and media channels, and provide guidance on protective actions and how the public can help prevent, mitigate or respond to the threat.

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    The document summarizes the National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS), which replaced the Homeland Security Advisory System. NTAS aims to effectively communicate information about terrorist threats to the public through timely, detailed alerts. The Secretary of Homeland Security will decide whether to issue an Imminent or Elevated Threat Alert based on credible threat information. Alerts are disseminated through official and media channels, and provide guidance on protective actions and how the public can help prevent, mitigate or respond to the threat.

    Copyright:

    Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as pdf or txt
    358 views7 pages

    NTAS Public Guide

    Uploaded by

    FedScoop
    The document summarizes the National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS), which replaced the Homeland Security Advisory System. NTAS aims to effectively communicate information about terrorist threats to the public through timely, detailed alerts. The Secretary of Homeland Security will decide whether to issue an Imminent or Elevated Threat Alert based on credible threat information. Alerts are disseminated through official and media channels, and provide guidance on protective actions and how the public can help prevent, mitigate or respond to the threat.

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    NTAS GUIDE

    National Terrorism Advisory System Public Guide


    April 2011
    The National Terrorism Advisory System
    The National Terrorism Advisory System, or NTAS, replaces the color-coded Homeland Security Advisory
    System (HSAS). This new system will more effectively communicate information about terrorist threats
    by providing timely, detailed information to the public, government agencies, first responders, airports
    and other transportation hubs, and the private sector.

    It recognizes that Americans all share responsibility for the nation’s security, and should always be
    aware of the heightened risk of terrorist attack in the United States and what they should do.

    NTAS Alerts
    After reviewing the available information, the Secretary of Homeland Security will decide, in
    coordination with other Federal entities, whether an NTAS Alert should be issued.

    NTAS Alerts will only be issued when credible


    information is available. Imminent Threat Alert
    These alerts will include a clear statement that there is Warns of a credible, specific, and
    an imminent threat or elevated threat. Using available impending terrorist threat against the
    information, the alerts will provide a concise summary United States.
    of the potential threat, information about actions being
    taken to ensure public safety, and recommended steps
    that individuals, communities, businesses and
    Elevated Threat Alert
    governments can take to help prevent, mitigate or Warns of a credible terrorist threat
    respond to the threat. against the United States.
    The NTAS Alerts will be based on the nature of the
    threat: in some cases, alerts will be sent directly to law enforcement or affected areas of the private
    sector, while in others, alerts will be issued more broadly to the American people through both official
    and media channels.

    NTAS Alerts contain a sunset


    provision indicating a specific Sunset Provision
    date when the alert expires -
    An individual threat alert is issued for a specific time period and
    there will not be a constant NTAS
    then automatically expires. It may be extended if new information
    Alert or blanket warning that becomes available or the threat evolves.
    there is an overarching threat. If
    threat information changes for an alert, the Secretary of Homeland Security may announce an updated
    NTAS Alert. All changes, including the announcement that cancels an NTAS Alert, will be distributed the
    same way as the original alert.

    If You See Something, Say SomethingTM. Report suspicious activity to local law
    enforcement or call 911.

    Page | 2
    The NTAS Alert – How can you help?
    Each alert provides information to the public
    about the threat, including, if available, the Terrorism Information
    geographic region, mode of transportation, or
    critical infrastructure potentially affected by the Terrorism information and intelligence is
    based on the collection, analysis and reporting
    threat; protective actions being taken by
    of a range of sources and methods. While
    authorities, and steps that individuals and intelligence may indicate that a threat is
    communities can take to protect themselves and credible, specific details may still not be
    their families, and help prevent, mitigate or known. As such, Americans should continue
    respond to the threat. to stay informed and vigilant throughout the
    duration of an NTAS Alert.
    Citizens should report suspicious activity to their
    local law enforcement authorities. The “If You See Something, Say SomethingTM” campaign across the
    United States encourages all citizens to be vigilant for indicators of potential terrorist activity, and to
    follow NTAS Alerts for information about threats in specific places or for individuals exhibiting certain
    types of suspicious activity. Visit www.dhs.gov/ifyouseesomethingsaysomething to learn more about the
    campaign.

    Alert Announcements
    NTAS Alerts will be issued through state, local and tribal partners, the news media and directly to the
    public via the following channels:

    • Via the official DHS NTAS webpage – http://www.dhs.gov/alerts


    • Via email signup at – http://www.dhs.gov/alerts
    • Via social media
    o Facebook – http://facebook.com/NTASAlerts
    o Twitter – http://www.twitter.com/NTASAlerts
    • Via data feeds, web widgets and graphics
    o http://www.dhs.gov/alerts

    The public can also expect to see alerts in places, both public and private, such as transit hubs, airports
    and government buildings.

    Sample NTAS Alert


    A sample NTAS Alert is provided at the end of this booklet.

    If You See Something, Say SomethingTM. Report suspicious activity to local law
    enforcement or call 911.

    Page | 3
     
     
    Frequently Asked Questions 
    1. Q – What will happen to the color‐coded advisory system? 
    A ‐ The new National Terrorism Advisory System replaces the Homeland Security Advisory System 
    that has been in place since 2002.  The National Terrorism Advisory System, or NTAS, will include 
    information specific to the particular credible threat, and will not use a color‐coded scale. 

    2. Q – How does the new system work? 
    A – When there is credible information about a threat, an NTAS Alert will be shared with the 
    American public.  It may include specific information, if available, about the nature of the threat, 
    including the geographic region, mode of transportation, or critical infrastructure potentially 
    affected by the threat, as well as steps that individuals and communities can take to protect 
    themselves and help prevent, mitigate or respond to the threat.  The advisory will clearly indicate 
    whether the threat is Elevated, if we have no specific information about the timing or location, or 
    Imminent, if we believe the threat is impending or very soon. 

    3. Q – As a citizen, how will I find out that an NTAS Alert has been announced? 
    A – The Secretary of Homeland Security will announce the alerts publically.  Alerts will 
    simultaneously be posted at DHS.gov/alerts and released to the news media for distribution.  The 
    Department of Homeland Security will also distribute alerts across its social media channels, 
    including the Department’s blog, Twitter stream, Facebook page, and RSS feed.   

    4. Q ‐ What should Americans do when an NTAS Alert is announced? 
    A – The NTAS Alert informs the American public about credible terrorism threats, and encourages 
    citizens to report suspicious activity.  Where possible and applicable, NTAS Alerts will include steps 
    that individuals and communities can take to protect themselves to help prevent, mitigate or 
    respond to the threat. Individuals should review the information contained in the alert, and based 
    upon the circumstances, take the recommended precautionary or preparedness measures for 
    themselves and their families.  

    5. Q – How should I report suspicious activity? 
    A – Citizens should report suspicious activity to their local law enforcement authorities.  The “If You 
    See Something, Say Something” campaign across the United States encourages all citizens to be 
    vigilant for indicators of potential terrorist activity, and to follow NTAS Alerts for information about 
    threats in specific places or for individuals exhibiting certain types of suspicious activity.  

    6. Q ‐ I get my news online, so how will I find out about an NTAS Alert? 
    A – Americans can go to DHS.gov/alerts to see the most recent advisories.  Additionally, advisories 
    will be sent out widely through social and mainstream media.   

    If You See Something, Say SomethingTM. Report suspicious activity to local law
    enforcement or call 911.  
     
    Page | 4 
    7. Q - How will NTAS Alerts be cancelled or updated?
    A – The NTAS Alerts carry an expiration date and will be automatically cancelled on that date. If
    the threat information changes for an alert, the Secretary of Homeland Security may announce an
    updated NTAS Alert. All changes, including the announcement that cancels an NTAS Alert, will be
    distributed the same way as the original alert.

    8. Q - Do these alerts apply to Americans in other countries?


    A – NTAS Alerts apply only to threats in the United States and its possessions. The Department of
    State issues security advisory information for U.S. citizens overseas or traveling in foreign countries.

    If You See Something, Say SomethingTM. Report suspicious activity to local law
    enforcement or call 911.

    Page | 5
    DATE & TIME ISSUED: XXXX

    SUMMARY DURATION
    The Secretary of Homeland Security informs the public and An individual threat alert is issued
    relevant government and private sector partners about a for a specific time period and then
    potential or actual threat with this alert, indicating whether automatically expires. It may be
    extended if new information
    there is an “imminent” or “elevated” threat. becomes available or the threat
    evolves.

    DETAILS AFFECTED AREAS


    • This section provides more detail about the threat and what the public and
    sectors need to know.  This section includes visual
    depictions (such as maps or
    • It may include specific information, if available, about the nature and
    other graphics) showing the
    credibility of the threat, including the critical infrastructure sector(s) or
    location(s) that may be affected. affected location(s), sector(s),
    or other illustrative detail about
    • It includes as much information as can be released publicly about actions
    the threat itself.
    being taken or planned by authorities to ensure public safety, such as increased
    protective actions and what the public may expect to see.

    HOW YOU CAN HELP STAY PREPARED STAY INFORMED


    • This section provides information • This section emphasizes the • This section notifies the public
    on ways the public can help importance of the public planning about where to get more
    authorities (e.g. camera phone and preparing for emergencies before information.
    pictures taken at the site of an they happen, including specific steps
    explosion), and reinforces the individuals, families and businesses • It encourages citizens to stay
    importance of reporting suspicious can take to ready themselves and their informed about updates from
    activity. communities. local public safety and
    community leaders.
    • It may ask the public or certain • It provides additional preparedness
    sectors to be alert for a particular information that may be relevant • It includes a link to the DHS
    item, situation, person, activity or based on this threat. NTAS website
    developing trend. http://www.dhs.gov/alerts and
    http://twitter.com/NTASAlerts

    TM
    If You See Something, Say Something . Report suspicious activity to local law enforcement or call 911.

    The National Terrorism Advisory System provides Americans with alert information on homeland security threats. It is distributed by the Department of
    Homeland Security. More information is available at: www.dhs.gov/alerts. To receive mobile updates: www.twitter.com/NTASAlerts
    If You See Something Say Something™ used with permission of the NY Metropolitan Transportation Authority.

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