Color-Coded Terror Alerts

Homeland Security Director Tom Ridge differentiated between degrees of terror warnings by unveiling a five-level system that resembles a box of crayons.

The color-coded system is a response to complaints that poorly-defined alerts issued by the government since the Sept. 11 attacks caused public alarm without providing any context or guidance.

The five different color-coded alerts are:

Low Condition - There is a low risk of terrorist attack.

Green is a low risk of terrorist attack.

Guarded Condition - There is a general risk of attack. Agencies are asked to review and update emergency response procedures.

Blue is a general risk, and agencies are asked to review and update emergency response procedures.

Elevated Condition - There is a significant risk of attack. Increased surveillance of critical locations and implementing some emergency response plans are called for.

Yellow is an "elevated condition," meaning there is a significant risk of attack. Increased surveillance of critical locations and implementing some emergency response plans are called for.

High Condition - There is a high risk of attack. The government should coordinate necessary security efforts with armed forces or law enforcement agencies and take additional precautions at public events.

Orange signifies a high risk of attack, meaning the government should coordinate necessary security efforts with armed forces or law enforcement agencies and take additional precautions at public events.

Severe Condition - There is a severe risk of attack. May require the pre-positioning of especially trained teams, closing public and government facilities and monitoring transportation systems.

Red means a "severe risk" of attack and may require the pre-positioning of especially trained teams, closing public and government facilities and monitoring transportation systems.