# 5507
Nearly 10 years it was first unveiled (following the 9/11 terrorist attacks), the United States’ NTAS (National Terror Alert System) has been revamped and simplified, discarding the old 5-tier color coded alert levels for just two alert levels:
For a number of years the existing system has been criticized as being both too complex, and since it has remained either Elevated (Yellow) or High (Orange) for years, unlikely to convey any sense of immediacy to the public should the need arise.
The new system also utilizes a `sunset provision’ whereby an issued alert will expire after a specific period of time, although alerts could be extended if needed.
For details on how all of this is expected to work, you can download and read the Department of Homeland Security’s 7-page guide to the new system.
Included you’ll find a mock-up sample alert, showing a summary, details, duration, and tips on how the public can help, stay informed, and prepare (if needed), along with a list of FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions).
