Homeland Security

Our Homeland Security Division is the local field structure of our Nation's National Response Plan (NRP).

The NRP provides mechanisms for expedited and proactive Federal support to ensure critical life-saving assistance and incident containment capacities are in place to respond quickly and efficiently to catastrophic incidents. These are high-impact, low-probability incidents, including natural disasters and terrorist attacks that result in extraordinary levels of mass casualties, damage or disruption severely affecting the population, infrastructure, environment, economy, national morale, and/or government functions.

Our Homeland Security Division provides a variety of support by receiving and processing Homeland Security alerts and memos for dissemination to effective Village departments.

Understanding the Homeland Security Advisory System

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.

There is always a risk of a terrorist threat. Each threat condition assigns a level of alert appropriate to the increasing risk of terrorist attacks. Beneath each threat condition are some suggested protective measures that the government, the private sector, and the public can take.

In each case, as threat conditions escalate, protective measures are added to those already taken in lower threat conditions. The measures are cumulative.

Low Risk = GREEN

• Develop a family emergency plan. Share it with family and friends, and practice the plan. Visit www.Ready.gov for help creating a plan.
• Create an “Emergency Supply Kit” for your household.
• Be informed. Visit www.Ready.gov or obtain a copy of “Preparing Makes Sense, Get Ready Now” by calling 1-800-BE-READY.
• Know where to shelter and how to turn off utilities (power, gas, and water) to your home.
• Examine volunteer opportunities in your community, such as Citizen Corps, Volunteers in Police Service, Neighborhood Watch or others, and donate your time. Consider completing an American Red Cross first aid or CPR course, or Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) course.

Guarded Risk = BLUE

• Complete recommended steps at level green.
• Review stored disaster supplies and replace items that are outdated.
• Be alert to suspicious activity and report it to proper authorities.

Elevated Risk = YELLOW

• Complete recommended steps at levels green and blue.
• Ensure disaster supplies are stocked and ready.
• Check telephone numbers in family emergency plan and update as necessary.
• Develop alternate routes to/from work or school and practice them.
• Continue to be alert for suspicious activity and report it to authorities.

High Risk = ORANGE

• Complete recommended steps at lower levels.
• Exercise caution when traveling, pay attention to travel advisories.
• Review your family emergency plan and make sure all family members know what to do.
• Be Patient. Expect some delays, baggage searches and restrictions at public buildings.
• Check on neighbors or others that might need assistance in an emergency.

Severe Risk = RED

• Complete all recommended actions at lower levels.
• Listen to local emergency management officials.
• Stay tuned to TV or radio for current information/instructions.
• Be prepared to shelter or evacuate, as instructed.
• Expect traffic delays and restrictions.
• Provide volunteer services only as requested.
• Contact your school/business to determine status of work day.