Homeland Security Advisory System (Color-Coded Alerts)

A color-coded scale adopted in March 2002 to inform the U.S. population about the current risk of a terrorist attack. Initially vague in its guidelines and purpose, the advisory system was improved but remains politically controversial.

The Homeland Security Advisory System rates the current threat level as green (low risk of a terrorist attack), blue (guarded risk), yellow (elevated risk), orange (high risk), or red (severe risk). In the first two years of its existence, the threat advisory level fluctuated between yellow and orange without ever reaching red, blue, or green.

Under all threat levels, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) advises citizens to develop and practice a family emergency plan and to store extra food and supplies. Other recommendations are added at each threat level. At the blue level, for example, citizens are advised to be alert and to report suspicious activity. At the yellow level, the DHS recommends developing alternative routes to and from work or school. At the orange level, citizens are advised to exercise caution when traveling, to pay attention to travel advisories, and to expect delays and baggage searches at public buildings. The DHS also suggests checking on neighbors who may need assistance during an emergency. At the red level, the DHS advises citizens to stay tuned to television or radio for information and instructions. The public should also be prepared at this level to “shelter in place” (seek shelter within the home or business) or evacuate.

Initially, the DHS applied the same threat level to the entire United States. However, local officials complained that the color-coded system was too vague and failed to provide them with specific guidance. Moreover, it was costly to keep the entire country on heightened alert. Other critics claimed that the administration was using the advisory system to manipulate popular anxieties for political gain. For example, a higher threat advisory level seemed to coincide with certain administrative initiatives, such as the decision to go to war against Iraq.

Responding to criticism, the DHS made the color-coded alerts more geographically specific. In January 2004, the DHS lowered the overall threat level in the nation from orange to yellow, but it kept the cities of New York, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Washington, DC, on orange alert. In August 2004, the homeland security secretary, Tom Ridge, made the alert even more specific, announcing evidence of threats to particular buildings in the financial districts of New York, northern New Jersey, and Washington, DC.

Despite such improvements, the Homeland Security Advisory System remains politically controversial. Critics continue to accuse the Bush administration of using the color-coded alerts to manipulate Americans into rallying around the president for particular policy initiatives.