A person working in or considering a degree in public administration, safety, or emergency response may wonder, “What are the Homeland Security threat families?” The Department of Homeland Security was created after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. In 2011, the system was updated to the National Terrorism Advisory System, which makes use of more descriptive information and digital alerts that can be sent to a person’s smartphone.
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Homeland Security Threat Levels from 2001 to 2011
In 2001, the federal government released a color-coded chart related to the level of a terrorist threat against Americans in the United States. The levels were coded blue for the lowest, followed by green, yellow, orange and red. The blue and green levels were never used. The threat level stayed at or above yellow, and most people got complacent with it or did not really know what the differences were. In 2011, the Department of Homeland Security announced the new system, which would be called the National Terrorism Advisory System, which is still in use.
Current National Terrorism Advisory System Advisory Types
The current National Terrorism Advisory System makes use of bulletins and alerts. The bulletins allow the federal government to communicate with the media and public about general trends and current developments as they relate to terrorism. The circumstances may not require a specific warning about a danger or known threat. The alerts are about specific threats. They are issued when the Department of Homeland Security has credible information about a terrorist threat in the United States. The alert would typically contain specific information about the threat, such as its nature, the expected location or area, mode of transportation and infrastructure that could be affected.
National Terrorism Advisory System Alert Levels
The alert levels are elevated or imminent. An “elevated” alert level means that there is not enough specific information about the location or timing of the event, but the credibility of the information warrants it being released as an alert instead of a bulletin. The imminent threat level involves a specific time and location. The time is in the short-term future. The imminent alert would include specific information about what an individual or family should do in order to prepare for the threat.
How the National Terrorism Advisory System Informs the Public
According to the Department of Homeland Security, alerts will be issued simultaneously and through multiple venues. All known radio stations and television stations will be provided with the full information for the alert. The alert will also be broadcast on social media platforms, including Facebook and Twitter. People with a smartphone may receive a text message or voicemail with the complete alert and a link to follow for additional information. The alerts will also be posted on the department’s website.
Every person should become familiar with the homeland security threat families and have a plan of action to take if a threat is imminent or in progress. A person who wants to work in emergency preparedness, response to emergencies or disasters or in any level of government should also be aware of the threat families and what they mean. Becoming familiar with the answer to, “What are the Homeland Security threat families?” could help a person advance in their career or decide which career path to take.