Memphis/Shelby County Emergency Management Agency

The National Office of Homeland Security unveiled a new color-coded U.S. threat advisory system in March of 2002 to provide a national framework to effectively deal with threats of terrorist attack. The warning system has 5 levels which when triggered, initiate specific actions by federal, local and state agencies.

• Complete actions at lower level
• Listen to radio and TV for information and instructions
• Be alert to suspicious activity and report it
• Be prepared to evacuate
• Adhere to travel restrictions
• Contact employer to determine status of work day
• Discuss family fears of terrorist attacks
• Provide volunteer services as requested.

• Complete actions at lower level
• Listen to radio and TV for information and instructions
• Work with local community leaders and organizations, emergency management, government agencies and utilities to meet immediate needs for community.
• Determine need to close business in accordance with the written Emergency Response Plan
• Be ready to work with a dispersed or smaller work force
• Be prepared to evacuate
• Ensure mental health counselors are available

• Complete actions at lower level
• Listen to radio and TV for information and instructions
• Be alert to suspicious activity and report it
• Be prepared to evacuate
• Close school if recommended to do so by authorities
• 100% ID check for and provide escort for those entering with students
• Ensure mental health counselors are available

• Complete actions at lower level
• Be alert to suspicious activity and report it
• Review your disaster plan
• Exercise caution when traveling
• If announced, donate blood.
• Determine needs from volunteer agency

• Complete actions at lower level
• Be alert to suspicious activity and report it
• Review the written Emergency Response Plan
• Determine the need to restrict access to the business or to provide security
• Contact vendors and suppliers to confirm their emergency response plan procedures

• Complete actions at lower level
• Be alert to suspicious activity and report it
• Review the school's written Emergency Response Plan
• Prepare to answer inquiries from parents and press
• Discuss children's fears concerning terrorist attacks

• Complete actions at lower level
• Be alert to suspicious activity and report it
• Stock your disaster kit
• Develop alternate routes to and from work or school
• Continue volunteer services

• Complete actions at lower level
• Be alert to suspicious activity
• Contact private security firm for security risk assessment and to determine availability of support
• Contact volunteer agencies you support to determine how you should provide support

• Complete actions at lower level
• Be alert to suspicious activity and report it
• Ensure that all emergency supplies are stocked and ready

• Complete actions at lower level
• Be alert to suspicious activity and report it
• Store disaster supplies and replace outdated items
• Develop and Emergency communications plan with family and friends.
• Provide volunteer services

• Complete actions at lower level
• Be alert to suspicious activity and report it
• Establish a dialogue with community leaders and organizations, emergency management, government agencies and utilities about disaster preparedness
• Ensure emergency communications plan is updated and needed equipment is purchased

• Complete actions at lower level
• Be alert to suspicious activity and report it
• Conduct safety training and emergency drills following the school's written Emergency Response Plan
• Ensure that the emergency communications plan is up to date

• Develop a disaster plan
• Create a disaster kit
• Make a plan for your pets if you need to evacuate
• Explore volunteer opportunities and volunteer agencies.

• Develop a written Emergency Response Plan to address all hazards and natural disasters
• Develop an emergency communications plan to notify employees of activities
• Develop a plan to relocate facilities if needed

• Develop a written Emergency Response Plan to address all hazards and natural disasters to secure safety of students and faculty.
• Create an emergency communications plan containing family contact numbers for students