Individuals

Low


Low Risk of Terrorist Attacks

  1. Participate freely in travel, work, and recreational activities.
  2. Be prepared for disasters and family emergencies.
  3. Know how to turn off your power, gas, water service to your house.
  4. Know what hazardous materials are stored in your home and how to properly dispose of unneeded chemicals.
  5. Support the efforts of your local emergency responders (fire fighters, law enforcement and emergency medical services).
  6. Know what natural hazards are prevalent in your area and what measures you can take to protect your family.
  7. Develop a personal disaster plan and create a disaster supplies kit using models that can be obtained from the American Red Cross or the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Guarded


General Risk of Terrorist Attacks

Take all actions from previous level, plus:
  1. Continue normal activities but be watchful for suspicious activities. Report criminal activity to local law enforcement.
  2. Review family emergency plans.
  3. Ensure that your 72 hour kit is up to date.
  4. Be familiar with local natural and technological (man-made) hazards in your community.
  5. Monitor local and national news for terrorist alerts.
  6. Update immunizations.
  7. Volunteer to assist and support the community emergency response agencies.
  8. Develop an emergency communications plan with family/neighbors/friends.

Elevated


Significant Risk of Terrorist Attacks

Take all actions from previous level, plus:
  1. Take a first aid or CERT course.
  2. Become active in your local Neighborhood Crime Watch program.
  3. Network with your family, neighbors and community for mutual support during a disaster or terrorist attack.
  4. Learn what critical facilities are located in your neighborhood and report suspicious activities at or near these sites to local law enforcement.
  5. Increase individual or family emergency preparedness through training, maintaining good physical fitness and health, and storing food, water and emergency supplies.
  6. Check telephone numbers and email addresses in your personal communication plan and update as needed.

High

High Risk of Terrorist Attacks

Take all actions from previous level, plus:
  1. Continue normal activities but expect some delays, baggage searches and restrictions as a result of heightened security at public buildings and facilities.
  2. Continue to monitor world and local events as well as local government threat advisories.
  3. Avoid leaving unattended packages or brief cases in public areas.
  4. Inventory and organize emergency supply kits and discuss emergency plans with family members.
  5. Consider taking reasonable personal precautions. Be alert to your surroundings and avoid placing yourself or other members of your family in a vulnerable situation.
  6. Maintain close contact with your family and neighbors to ensure their safety and emotional welfare.
  7. Look for people wearing clothing that is inappropriate to the weather, people who seem out of place in their surroundings, or people who are unusually nervous and report them to law enforcement or security authorities.
  8. Know the proper procedures for evacuating your family from your home and neighborhood.
  9. Know the proper procedures for sheltering-in-place in your home and have proper materials on hand.

Severe

Severe Risk of Terrorist Attacks

Take all actions from previous level, plus:
  1. Listen to radio/TV for current information/instructions.
  2. Report suspicious activities at or near critical facilities to local law enforcement agencies by calling 9-1-1.
  3. Contact your school and/or business to determine any change in work/school schedule.
  4. Be prepared to evacuate or shelter-in-place as directed by emergency officials.