The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently announced a big change to its National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS). The original NTAS, which replaced the Bush-era color-coded threat level system in 2011, was intended to provide the public with NTAS Alerts based on “specific, credible threats” to the homeland. Because the threshold for NTAS Alerts is so high, DHS has never issued one. Meanwhile, DHS needed a mechanism to notify the public about general or potential threats. In response, the Department announced on December 16, the addition of NTAS Bulletins to the system.
According to a DHS press release:
NTAS Bulletins will provide information describing broader or more general trends and current developments regarding threats of terrorism. They will share important terrorism-related information with the American public and various partners and stakeholders, including in those situations where additional precautions may be warranted, but where the circumstances do not warrant the issuance of an . . . Alert. An NTAS Bulletin will summarize the issue and why it is important for public awareness, outline U.S. Government counterterrorism efforts, and offer recommendations to the public on how it can contribute to the overall counterterrorism effort.
DHS will still issue NTAS Alerts when appropriate. “If there is sufficient information regarding a credible, specific terrorist threat against the United States, such that it is reasonable to recommend implementation of protective measures to thwart or mitigate against an attack, DHS will share an NTAS Alert – either Elevated or Imminent – with the American public,” says DHS.
Coincident with the announcement, DHS issued its first NTAS Bulletin. The December 16 Bulletin addresses “self-radicalized” [threat] actor(s) who could strike with little or no notice.” It adds: “Recent attacks and attempted attacks internationally and in the homeland warrant increased security, as well as increased public vigilance and awareness.”
Water systems can keep track of the latest NTAS Bulletins and Alerts using one or more of the tools available from DHS. In addition, AMWA and WaterISAC members will be notified upon the issuance of any NTAS Alerts or Bulletins.