| Homeland Security Advisory System Definitions | |
 |
A low condition is declared when there is a low risk of terrorist attacks.
Routine security is implemented to preclude routine criminal threats. |
 |
A guarded condition is declared when there is a general risk of terrorist attacks.
General risk with no credible threats to specific targets. |
 |
An elevated condition is declared when there is a significant risk of terrorist
attacks. Elevated risk of terrorist attacks but neither a specific region of the United States nor target has been identified. |
 |
A high condition is declared when there is a high risk of terrorist attacks.
Credible intelligence indicates there is a high risk of a local terrorist attack but a specific target has not been identified. |
 |
A severe condition reflects a severe risk of terrorist attacks.
A terrorist attack has occurred or credible and corroborated intelligence indicates that one is imminent. Normally, this threat condition is declared for a specific location or critical facility. |