Click on a threat level to learn more about it.

Homeland Security Threat Levels

Present Threat Level:
	Updated June 14, 2005

There are five Threat Conditions, each identified by a description and corresponding color, which has been developed by the Federal Government to illustrate the relative threat conditions.

The higher the Threat Condition, the greater the risk of a terrorist attack. Risk includes both the probability of an attack occurring and its potential gravity.

National Threat Conditions is assigned by the United States Attorney General in consultation with the Department for Homeland Security.

At the University of Northern Iowa, all students and employees are asked to participate in protecting the greater community. The most valuable contribution that an individual can make is to develop comprehensive emergency preparations and be aware of any suspicious activities.

Red is the highest threat level: A terrorist attack has occurred or credible and corroborated intelligence indicates that one is imminent.

• All persons should be prepared to take emergency precautions and avoid high-threat public areas.
• Be suspicious of persons taking photographs of critical facilities, asking detailed questions about physical security or dressed inappropriately for weather conditions or appear to be concealing objects. Report these incidents immediately to UNI Public Safety.
• If a vehicle seems out of place or appears abandoned, report the location and license number/description immediately.
• Closely monitor news reports and Emergency Alert System radio/TV stations.
• Be prepared to evacuate your home or workplace on order of government authorities.

Orange is the second highest threat level, indicating a high risk: intelligence indicates that there is a high risk of a terrorist attack but a specific target has not been identified.

• Expect some delays, such as restrictions of heightened security at public/government buildings and events.
• Groups sponsoring large events on campus or in the community should contact police officers at UNI Public Safety to assess event security.
• Report suspicious persons and vehicles, especially in sensitive or non-public areas on campus, to UNI Public Safety.
• Keep track of keys to sensitive areas. Should keys to any University building be lost, immediately notify your supervisor and UNI Public Safety.
• At UNI, employees are asked to periodically inspect buildings and parking areas for any suspicious packages or unusual vehicles -if found, do not touch or contact and notify UNI Public Safety (3-4000 or 9-911).

Yellow is the mid-level of threat assessment, it indicates there is an elevated risk of terrorist attack but a specific region or target has not been identified.

• Continue normal activities, but report suspicious activities to law enforcement - people or vehicles that are out-of-place.
• Avoid leaving unattended packages or briefcases in public areas - these are potential threats that should be reported immediately to UNI Public Safety (3-4000 or 9-911).
• Learn the locations of emergency shelters on campus.
• Practice emergency plans with family and storing food, water and other emergency supplies.

The Blue threat level represents a guarded threat level: general risk with no credible threats to specific targets.

• All persons should take medical preparations, such as updating immunizations, assembling first aid supplies and asking your doctor for emergency prescription medicines.
• Review family emergency plans and arrange alternative communication methods.
• Strongly consider taking a first aid or emergency medical class (Upcoming classes at UNI).
• Be aware of potential high risk targets in your community.

Green threat level indicates a generally low risk of terrorism. Security is implemented to preclude routine criminal threats.

• Visit the Iowa Dept of Homeland Security and Ready.gov webpages - read and absorb.
• Develop a family emergency plan: have a plan for each family member to leave home, work or school and take protective measures if necessary.
• Review evacuation routes from your workplace and public buildings you often visit.
• Know how to turn off the power, gas and water to your house.

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