ALERT 03-026
May 30, 2003
Homeland
Security Advisory System Lowered to National Level
(YELLOW)
Elevated
Condition (YELLOW). An Elevated Condition is declared
when there is a significant risk of terrorist attacks.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Alerts recommend
the immediate implementation of protective actions,
including best practices when available.
OVERVIEW
As
of 1500 on May 30, 2003, following a review of intelligence
and an assessment of threats by the intelligence community,
DHS, in consultation with the Homeland Security Council,
has made the decision to lower the threat level to
an Homeland Security Advisory System (HSAS) to Elevated,
or “YELLOW” level risk of terrorist attack.
This
decision is based upon a number of factors including
a review of the intelligence and assessment of threats.
The U.S. intelligence community has also concluded
that the number of indications and warnings that led
to raising the level have decreased along with the
heightened vulnerability associated with the Memorial
Day Holiday.
DHS
emphasizes the need to continue our vigilance in order
to ensure the security of our homeland. Our ability
to assess threats requires timely information. Continued
reporting from State/local and private sectors is critical
in creating a national threat profile. DHS encourages
reporting of suspicious activities during all threat
levels.
Federal
departments and agencies, state and local jurisdictions,
and the private sector should consider reviewing the
protective measures that they developed and implemented
while at HSAS Level ORANGE. When moving down to HSAS
Level YELLOW DHS advises everyone to continue surveillance
of critical locations, assess emergency plans, and
provide a visible presence as a viable form of deterrence.
The use of random or rolling patrol operations can
be effective in signaling to terrorists that their
chances of succeeding are minimal and terrorist operations
may be disrupted and prevented.
DHS
encourages individuals to report information concerning
suspicious or criminal activity to law enforcement
or a Homeland Security watch office. Individuals may
report incidents online at http://www.nipc.gov/incident/cirr.htm,
and Federal agencies/departments may report incidents
online at http://www.fedcirc.gov/reportform.html. Contact
numbers for the IAIP watch centers are:
For private citizens and companies, (202) 323-3205, 1-888-585-9078, or nipc.watch@fbi.gov;
for the telecom industry, (703) 607-4950 or ncs@ncs.gov;
and for Federal agencies/departments,
(888) 282-0870 or fedcirc@fedcirc.gov.
|
