How to Gauge the Level of a Threat

Tornadoes are one cause for threat warnings and alerts.

When a threat warning is issued through municipal, state or federal levels of government, it is done so via a series of checks and balances to evaluate the level of the threat. The government agencies work hard to make the threat level warnings or alerts easily understood by the general public. As a way of making this information easy to use and decipher, the government puts out a series of websites and resources for you to gather information regarding any threat or alert issued.

Things You'll Need

• Computer with internet connection
• AM/FM Radio - battery or hand crank powered
• Local TV broadcast

Instructions

1. Direct an Internet browser to the US Department of Homeland Security website. Click the "Current Threat Level" link.

2. Read the color and threat level on the DHS webpage. The Homeland Security Advisory System involves a five-level, color-coded Threat Condition indicator to correspond to the current situation. If the threat level reads Red - Severe, there is an immediate threat from terrorist activity. High Condition - Orange is declared when there is a high risk of terrorist attacks. Yellow - Elevated indicates there is a threat present but no immediate threat is known. Guarded Condition - Blue is declared when there is a general risk of terrorist attacks. A Green - Low gauge reading means there is little to no threat level at present.

3. Listen for, and read the scrolling banner, when the EBS (Emergency Broadcast System) is triggered via television or radio broadcasts. When the EBS is activated, there will be either an alert or a warning issued for either a natural disaster or human threat such as terrorism. If your power goes out, turn on the battery powered AM/FM radio and tune to the clearest signal and listen for the EBS threat level indications. As a rule, an alert is not as severe as a warning. For example, if a tornado alert is issued, no tornadoes have been spotted, but conditions are prime for one to whip up; a warning indicates tornadoes have been spotted in the area and you must take immediate protective actions.

4. Direct the browser to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) website and click the "Storm Prediction" link. Follow the links to your region and look for any issued alerts or warnings and their cause. For example, if you live in Montana, follow the link to the state, then read if there are any issued alerts and warnings.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep an emergency preparedness kit in the home and all vehicles in your household. The Department of Homeland Security and NOAA have suggested content lists for such kits.

References

• 911 Emergency Alert System
• US Department of Homeland Security: Current Threat Levels
• NOAA: Storm Prediction Center

Resources

• USDHS
• NOAA