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Threat Level Raised to Orange

Release Date: 02/08/03 00:00:00

President Bush addresses the nation.

President Bush addresses the nation.

After consulting with the Homeland Security Council and top advisors, the President Friday decided to raise the national threat level to Orange.

Orange, or High Condition

A High Condition is declared when there is a high risk of terrorist attacks. In addition to the measures taken in the previous threat conditions, federal departments and agencies will consider the following protective measures:

  • Coordinate necessary security efforts with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, National Guard or other security and armed forces;
  • Take additional precautions at public events, possibly considering alternative venues or even cancellation;
  • Prepare to execute contingency procedures, such as moving to an alternate site or dispersing the workforce; and
  • Restrict access to a threatened facility to essential personnel only.

Why  The Threat Level Is At Level Orange
Recent intelligence reports, corroborated through multiple intelligence sources, suggest an increased likelihood that the al Qaeda terrorist network may attempt to attack Americans in the United States or abroad. Based upon specific information analyzed by the intelligence community, and after conferring with the Homeland Security Council, the decision has been made to increase the national threat level from yellow, or  "elevated risk," to orange, or "high risk."

This page was last reviewed/modified on 02/08/03 00:00:00.