PNTAS Alert (National Terrorism Advisory System)
A threat alert is a mindset that leads you to notice unusual or suspicious behavior/circumstances and report your observations to authorities in a logical, rational and timely manner. A threat alert is not intended to induce fear and panic. People should go about their normal business while paying particular attention to their surroundings.
Depending on the nature of the threat, the Secretary of Homeland Security will decide, in coordination with other Federal entities, whether an NTAS Alert should be issued. NTAS Alerts will only be issued when credible information is available. These alerts will include a clear statement that there is an imminent threat or elevated threat.
Imminent Threat Alert
Warns of credible, specific, and impending terrorist threat against the United States.
Elevated Threat Alert
Warns of a credible terrorist threat against the United States.
Using available information, the alerts will provide a concise summary of the potential threat, information about actions being taken to ensure public safety, and recommended steps that individuals, communities, businesses and governments can take to help prevent, mitigate or respond to the threat.
The NTAS Alerts will be based on the nature of the threat: in some cases, alerts will be sent directly to law enforcement or affected areas of the private sector, while in others, alerts will be issued more broadly to the American people through both official and media channels.
Suspicious Behavior/Circumstances
Be aware of and report to the Moraine Valley Police Department:
- People in and around buildings who do not appear to be conducting legitimate business.
- People monitoring areas, buildings or entrances.
- Unauthorized people in restricted, sensitive or private areas.
- People requesting information with no apparent need for that information.
- People wearing clothing not consistent with the weather conditions.
- Abandoned parcels or other suspicious items left in unusual locations.
- Individuals or groups of individuals attempting to access utility locations (water, electrical, petroleum, telecommunications, information systems).
- Abandoned vehicles.
- Vehicles parked near buildings or public areas.
- Unexpected/Unfamiliar delivery trucks.
- Unfamiliar vehicles parked for long periods of time.
- Vehicles containing unusual or suspicious parcels or materials.
- Vehicles arriving and being left behind at odd hours.
- Substances leaking or spilling from vehicles.
Building/Office Security
- Don’t prop open building doors or windows. Correct these situations when you observe them.
- Account for and secure your keys. Don’t leave them unattended or give to unauthorized persons.
- Report lost keys to the Police Department.
- Account for and secure all sensitive material/information/deliveries when not able to attend to it.
- Secure all areas when not attended.
- Be aware of unfamiliar persons in your area.
- Protect access codes, combinations and swipe cards. Change codes regularly.
- Take time out to familiarize yourself with building evacuation routes.
- Report suspicious tampering with physical security (doors, locks. etc.)
- Talk with coworkers; know what is out-of-place (unclaimed items, etc.)
For more information on Homeland Security and planning to protect yourself:
www.dhs.gov
www.ready.gov
www.state.il.us
