Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano is visiting New York today to reveal the new national terror alert system the country will adopt now that the old, kinda useless color-coded system is on the way out. Behold the National Terrorism Advisory System, which will "include information specific to the particular credible threat, and will not use a color-coded scale." And, yes, you can like it on Facebook and follow it on Twitter.
According to the NTAS FAQ, "When there is credible information about a threat, an NTAS Alert will be shared with the American public. It may include specific information, if available, about the nature of the threat, including the geographic region, mode of transportation, or critical infrastructure potentially affected by the threat, as well as steps that individuals and communities can take to protect themselves and help prevent, mitigate or respond to the threat. The advisory will clearly indicate whether the threat is Elevated, if we have no specific information about the timing or location, or Imminent, if we believe the threat is impending or very soon." Information will be posted on the website (here's a sample PDF) as well as be distributed via social media and its blog.
The system will also rely on you, the public, to help keep the DHS and other authorities informed. In fact, the DHS has licensed the MTA's enduring "See Something, Say Something" slogan since 2010 for its efforts.
