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Homeland Security Advisory System Threat Level
The Homeland Security Advisory System communicates the threat level to
citizens. It provides the framework to assign a threat level. Factors used
to assess the threat level include:
- Is the threat credible?
- Is the threat corroborated?
- Is the threat specific and/or imminent?
- How grave is the threat?
The U.S. Attorney General, in consultation with the Director of the
Office of Homeland Security, assigns the threat level. There are five
levels: low, guarded, elevated, high, and severe. The current level has
been set at orange or 'HIGH' due to reports by undisclosed intelligence
sources regarding potential threats to overseas interests. THERE HAS
BEEN NO SPECIFIC THREAT TO WISCONSIN OR THE DANE COUNTY AREA.
Response Agency Actions at 'ELEVATED' Threat Level
- Assess and monitor for vulnerabilities and risk
- Test communications with designated agencies and jurisdictions
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Review emergency response procedures and plans
- Continue public
information activities
- Increase surveillance of critical locations
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Consider additional security efforts with law enforcement agencies
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Consider special precautions at public events
Homeland Security Recommendations
for Citizens
- Re-examine your family disaster plan and re-stock your disaster supplies kit.
- Establish an alternative meeting place away from your home with family and friends.
- Learn more about your child's school emergency notification and evacuation plans.
- Develop a family emergency communications plan with updated phone numbers.
- Identify alternate routes to/from home/school/work and practice them.
- Be alert to any suspicious activity and contact the proper authorities as necessary.
- Exercise caution when traveling.
For more information about how to keep your family and friends safe in time of disaster, please
visit these sites:
Center for Disease Control
Anthrax Health Advisory
U.S. Department of
Education - Emergency Planning
[Dane County Home Page] [Emergency
Management Homepage]
Date Updated:
April 16, 2003
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