Official website of the Department of Homeland Security
What You Need to Know
National Terrorism Advisory System ( NTAS) alerts communicate information about terrorist threats by providing timely, detailed information to the public, government agencies, first responders, public sector organizations, airports and other transportation hubs.
Using available information, the alerts will provide a concise summary of the potential threat, information about actions being taken to ensure public safety, and recommended steps that individuals, communities, businesses and governments can take to help prevent, mitigate or respond to the threat.
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The National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS) website is the authoritative source for information about the current NTAS level. It will always contain the most up-to-date information on the Advisory System status.
NTAS Alerts will only be issued when credible information is available. After reviewing the available information, the Secretary of Homeland Security will decide, in coordination with other Federal entities, whether an NTAS Alert should be issued.
The NTAS Alerts will be based on the nature of the threat: 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.
These alerts will include a clear statement that there is an imminent threat or elevated threat.
- An imminent threat warns of a credible, specific, and impending terrorist threat against the United States.
- An elevated threat warns of a credible terrorist threat against the United States.
NTAS Alerts contain a sunset provision indicating a specific date when the alert expires - there will not be a constant NTAS Alert or blanket warning that there is an overarching threat. If threat information changes for an alert, the Secretary of Homeland Security may announce an updated NTAS Alert. All changes, including the announcement that cancels an NTAS Alert, will be distributed the same way as the original alert.
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Tips
The National Terrorism Advisory System, or NTAS, replaces the color-coded Homeland Security Advisory System (HSAS).
You can sign up to receive NTAS alterts by email, Facebook and/or Twitter.