Terrorist attacks can leave many concerned about the possibility of future incidents in the United States and their potential impact. They have raised uncertainty about what might happen next, increasing stress levels. There are things you can do to prepare for the unexpected and reduce the stress that you may feel now and later, should another emergency arise. Taking preparatory action can reassure you and your children that you can exert a measure of control even in the face of such events. Finding out what can happen is the first step. Once you have determined the events possible and their potential in your community, it is important that you discuss them with your family or household. Develop a disaster plan together.

If a Terrorism Event Occurs

• Remain calm and be patient.
• Follow the advice of local emergency officials.
• Listen to your radio or television for news and instructions.
• If the event occurs near you, check for injuries. Give first aid and get help for seriously injured people.
• Confine or secure your pets.
• Call your family contact - do not use the telephone again unless it is a life-threatening emergency.
• Check on your neighbors, especially those who are elderly or disabled.

- American Red Cross

Terrorism Advisory System

The National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS) communicates information about terrorist threats by providing timely, detailed information to the public, government agencies, first responders, airports and other transportation hubs, and the private sector.

Each alert provides information to the public about the threat, including, if available, the geographic region, mode of transportation, or critical infrastructure potentially affected by the threat, protective actions being taken by authorities, and steps that individuals and communities can take to protect themselves and their families and help prevent, mitigate or respond to the threat.

The "If You See Something, Say Something^TM" campaign across the United States encourages all citizens to be vigilant for indicators of potential terrorist activity and to follow NTAS Alerts for information about threats in specific places or for individuals exhibiting certain types of suspicious activity.

Visit If You See Something Say Something to learn more about the campaign.

NTAS Alerts

NTAS alerts are organized into two categories:

• Imminent Threat Alert - Warns of a credible, specific, and impending terrorist threat against the United States.
• Elevated Threat Alert - Warns of a credible terrorist threat against the United States.