Homeland Security Advisory

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Homeland Security Advisory System Recommendations are as follows for businesses:

RED - Severe Status

• Complete recommended actions at lower levels
• Listen to radio/TV for current information/instructions
• Work with local community leaders, emergency management, government agencies, community organizations, and utilities to meet immediate needs of the community
• Determine need to close business based on circumstances and in accordance with written emergency plan
• Be prepared to work with a dispersed or smaller work force
• Ensure mental health counselors are available for employees

ORANGE - High Status

• Complete recommended actions at lower levels
• Be alert to suspicious activity and report it to proper authorities
• Review emergency plans to include continuity of operations and media materials on hand
• Determine need to restrict access to business or provide private security firm support/reinforcement
• Contact vendors/suppliers to confirm their emergency response plan procedures
• If a need is announced, contact nearest blood collections agency and offer to organize a blood drive

YELLOW - Elevated Status

• Complete recommended actions at lower levels
• Contact private security firm for security risk assessment and to determine availability of support/reinforcement
• Contact voluntary organizations you support to determine how you can provide assistance in case of emergency

BLUE - Guarded

• Complete recommended actions at lower levels
• Be alert to suspicious activity and report it to proper authorities
• Dialogue with community leaders, emergency management, government agencies, community organizations and utilities about disaster preparedness
• Ensure emergency communication plan is updated to include purchase of needed equipment
• Ask the local Red Cross Chapter to Provide a "Terrorism: Preparing for the Unexpected" presentation at your workplace for employees

GREEN - Low

• Use Red Cross Emergency Management Guide for Business and Industry to develop written emergency plans to address all hazards. Include an emergency communication plan to notify employees of activities; designate an off-site "report to" location in case of evacuation.
• Develop continuity of operations plans to include designating alternate work facility/location for business
• Arrange for staff to take a Red Cross CPR/AED and first aid course

For further information regarding disaster preparedness you can view the Red Cross Web Site or contact them directly at (530) 243-3021.