DHS Scrapping Color-Coded Terror Warnings

Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano announced Thursday that the Department will be discontinuing the color-coded system for measuring terrorist threats.

In its place, the Department will be implementing a new system that will “more effectively communicate information about terrorist threats by providing timely, detailed information to the public, government agencies, first responders, airports and other transportation hubs, and the private sector.”

“This new system is built on a clear and simple premise: when a credible threat develops that could impact the public, we will tell you and provide whatever information we can so that you know how to keep yourselves, your families and your communities safe,” Napolitano said in a statement.

The color-coded system was implemented during the Bush administration in the months following the 9/11 terrorist attacks.