New Terror Alert System Announced, Color Codes Scrapped

Alex Wong/Getty Images (file)(WASHINGTON) -- A new, more specific method of informing the public of terror threats was introduced Wednesday.

The new system -- dubbed the National Terrorism Advisory System -- will take effect April 26, when the color-coded system is officially phased out and a two-tiered approach is implemented.

Why the change? Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano says the public should know what the threat is and how to react.

“These alerts are designed for when there is specific, credible information where people need factual content in order to know what they need to do, and how they protect their families, and how they can help us protect their community,” Napolitano said.
 
“Raising alerts without information, for some, did increase fear and we don't want people to live in fear,” Napolitano said.

The new method replaces the 9/11-inspired color-coded system.

“Say goodbye to orange,” Napolitano said. “That will be going away next week, and in its place will be something that, you know, provides the citizenry of this country with more information that they can use to meet the event of a specific credible threat or terrorist attack.”

The new system sets up two categories of threat level: elevated and imminent, neither of which applies today. Information will come via social media, and will indicate whether a threat is elevated or imminent. It will also include instructions for how the public can best stay safe.

Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio

New Terror Warning System Being Unveiled Wednesday

Department of Homeland Security(WASHINGTON) -- The color-coded terror alert system will fade to black Wednesday when the Department of Homeland Security announces a new way to inform the public about terror threats.

Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano says the new system will simply lay out what the threat is, who's being targeted and what people should do in response.

"We will implement a new system that's built on a clear and simple premise: when a threat develops that could impact you -- the public -- we will tell you," Napolitano said.  "We will provide whatever information we can so you know how to protect yourselves, your families, and your communities."

The new alerts will be labeled either elevated or imminent.  The new warning system, unlike the old one, will also have specified end dates when there is an alert.

Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio

Homeland Security Recommends Replacing Color-Coded Warnings

Photo Courtesy - Department of Homeland Security(WASHINGTON) -- The Department of Homeland Security is recommending that the current color-coded system used to warn Americans of imminent threats and attacks be replaced, ABC News has learned.

The government agency wants President Obama to scrap the Homeland Security Advisory System, "a color-coded terrorism risk advisory scale," in favor of warnings that are more specific.  The agency would instead put out warnings with clearer language so Americans could understand what kind of threat exists.

The color-coded scale was implented in 2002.  The current overall threat level is yellow, or "elevated," marking a significant risk of terrorist attacks.

Copyright 2010 ABC News Radio