Homeland Security
October 1, 2007 - The United States government's national threat level is
Elevated, or Yellow
The U.S. threat level is High, or Orange, for all domestic and international flights. Only small amounts of liquids, aerosols and gels are allowed in carry-on baggage.
See the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) website for up-to-date information on items permitted and prohibited on airlines.
While there continues to be no credible information at this time warning of an imminent threat to the homeland, the department's strategic threat perspective is that we are in a period of increased risk. The National Intelligence Estimate cited heightened activity overseas and we're mindful of the recent arrests in Europe. There has also been an upward trend in propaganda tapes and messages coming from al Qaeda and affiliated networks over the past year.
Recommended Activities
All Americans should continue to be vigilant, take notice of their surroundings, and report suspicious items or activities to local authorities immediately. Everyone should establish an emergency preparedness kit and emergency plan for themselves and their family, and stay informed about what to do during an emergency.
About the Homeland Security Advisory System
The Homeland Security Advisory System is designed to guide our protective
measures when specific information to a particular sector or geographic region is received. It combines threat information with vulnerability assessments and provides communications to public safety officials and the public.
- Homeland Security Threat Advisories contain actionable information about an incident involving, or a threat targeting, critical national networks or infrastructures or key assets. They could, for example, relay newly developed procedures that, when implemented, would significantly improve security or protection. They could also suggest a change in readiness posture, protective actions, or response. This category includes products formerly named alerts, advisories, and sector notifications. Advisories are targeted to Federal, state, and local governments, private sector organizations, and international partners.
- Homeland Security Information Bulletins communicate information of interest to the nation's critical infrastructures that do not meet the timeliness, specificity, or significance thresholds of warning messages. Such information may include statistical reports, periodic summaries, incident response or reporting guidelines, common vulnerabilities and patches, and configuration standards or tools. It also may include preliminary requests for information. Bulletins are targeted to Federal, state, and local governments, private sector organizations, and international partners.
- Color-coded Threat Level System (PDF) is used to communicate with public safety officials and the public at-large through a threat-based, color-coded system so that protective measures can be implemented to reduce the likelihood or impact of an attack. Raising the threat condition has economic, physical, and psychological effects on the nation; so, the Homeland Security Advisory System can place specific geographic regions or industry sectors on a higher alert status than other regions or industries, based on specific threat information.
Emergency Supply Kit
When preparing for a possible emergency situation, it's best to think first about the basics of survival: fresh water, food, clean air and warmth. Read More
Information for People with Disabilities & Other Special Needs
Preparing Your Pets for Emergencies
Division of Fire has prepared a Community Disaster Preparedness Manual (PDF, 143 kb), which covers many kinds of disasters, including hurricanes, winter storms, and terrorism. The manual includes lists of things to do before and during an emergency, and lists of things you might want to have on hand. Here is the Spanish version: Manual de Preparacin comunal para casos de desastres (PDF).
WRIC 8 
WWBT 12 
Fox News 
CBS News 
CNN News 
USA Today
Other Resources
FEMA - Emergency Planning and Checklists
FEMA - Recovering from Disaster
American Red Cross Disaster Services
Avian and Pandemic Flu Information
Virginia Department of Emergency Management
Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
Eight Cyber Security Practices to Stay Safe Online
Hurricane Preparedness
Be mindful of the quickly approaching hurricane 
season by taking a time out to get prepared.
Hurricane Preparedness brochure (PDF)
Learn about hurricane hazards and what you can do to help protect yourself, your family, and your property. Click here for information...
Know What Hurricane WATCH and WARNING Mean
WATCH: Hurricane conditions are possible in the specified area of the WATCH, usually within 36 hours.
WARNING: Hurricane conditions are expected in the specified area of the WARNING, usually within 24 hours.