U.S. junks color-coded terror alerts
January 27th, 2011
02:23 PM ET

U.S. junks color-coded terror alerts

The United States is getting rid of its much-maligned system of color-coded terrorism alerts, replacing them with detailed advisories about specific threats, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano announced
Thursday.

"When we have information about a specific, credible threat, we will issue a formal alert providing as much information as we can," Napolitano said. That information will include a summary of the threat, steps authorities are taking to guard the public and what the public can do, she said.

"The alerts will be specific to the threat. They may recommend certain actions or suggest looking for specific suspicious behavior. And they will have a specified end date," Napolitano said in a speech at George Washington University.

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soundoff (9 Responses)
  1. Jeff Frank

    If I'm understanding this correctly, a specific geographic area, with a specific threat will be notified "along with the terrorist(s)" as to what to do?

    January 27, 2011 at 2:52 pm | Report abuse |
    • Alexa

      So Jeff Frank, is it your contention that when a specific threat is lodged against Americans on that we should NOT warn anyone? How is warning the public of a potential terrorist attack benefiting the terrorists?

      January 27, 2011 at 5:08 pm | Report abuse |
  2. Guest

    I think they're still going with the idea that disrupting the plot – scaring off the plotters is the way to go, Jeff. Unless I guess you think its better to let them go through with it and put their remains in jail . . .

    January 27, 2011 at 3:01 pm | Report abuse |
  3. Mayhem

    Maybe they should have just changed the colors around. Purple = Bad; Mauve = Good; Cornflower = Caution...

    January 27, 2011 at 3:01 pm | Report abuse |
    • Microbial

      I could go for a little Burnt Sienna myself.

      January 27, 2011 at 3:40 pm | Report abuse |
    • Mayhem

      Ohh...forgot about that one!

      January 27, 2011 at 3:56 pm | Report abuse |
  4. duke

    A system so simple even bush understood it(kinda)!!
    The color only changed when that administration broke the law and needed a distraction!!

    January 27, 2011 at 3:41 pm | Report abuse |
  5. Jeff Frank

    @Alexa. Is it my contention we "should'nt" be warned? No. The "heads up" is greatly appreciated. You do not have to read to far into history to find most of these groups are "covert" or "hidden" from plain view. This makes them very dangerous. I would suspect our warnings would come from local media (tv and radio). Public media would make it easy for them to go from place to place "undetected and untraceable". Terrorists have "military grade" weapons. Really. What do we have...a lone cop on his beat with a shotgun and a .357 magnum? Or you may have a gun at home...or nothing at home?

    January 27, 2011 at 5:52 pm | Report abuse |
  6. Veritas

    They were serious about that sht wow!

    January 27, 2011 at 6:46 pm | Report abuse |
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