2002 Color-code terror alert system, RIP
On 26 April a new terrorist alert system — the National Terrorism Alert System (NTAS) — will go into effect, replacing the color-code alert system which has been in effect since 2002; the new system will include “imminent threat” and “elevated threat” alerts; the “imminent threat” alert will warn of a credible, specific, and impending terrorist threat against the United States; in some cases, alerts will be sent directly to law enforcement or affected areas of the private sector
DHS secretary Janet Napolitano, in a speech in New York on Wednesday, announced that the color-code terror alerts system has been retired, to be replaced by a new National Terrorism Alert System (NTAS).
“I am here to announce a major change in the way we keep the public informed about potential terrorist threats. Beginning next week we will eliminate the old color-code system,” Napolitano said from Grand Central Station, UPI reports.
The new National Terrorism Advisory System will issue two types of alerts:<
- “Imminent threat” — along with clear language about the threat, warning of a credible, specific, and impending terrorist threat against the United States
- “Elevated threat” — when a credible terrorist threat against the United States is discovered
“The alerts will expire of their own in two weeks, unless the intelligence community recommends … and I agree that the alert needs to be continued,” Napolitano said.
The guide released Wednesday morning also notes that “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.”
The NTAS system will officially be in operation on April 26.
