Terrorism

What is a Terrorism?

Terrorism is the use of violence and threats to intimidate or coerce typically for political reasons. The threat of terrorism in the United States is a cause of great fear for the citizens of our country. Although many terrorist threats are received on an almost daily basis, most turn out to be threats only. Talbot County Emergency Services uses the National Terrorism Advisory System to monitor the threat level on a daily basis.

About the National Terrorism Advisory System

The National Terrorism Advisory System, or NTAS, replaces the color-coded Homeland Security Advisory System (HSAS). This new system 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. It recognizes that Americans all share responsibility for the nation’s security, and should always be aware of the heightened risk of terrorist attack in the United States and what they should do. After reviewing the available information, 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.

• Imminent Threat Alert warns of a credible, specific, and impending terrorist threat against the United States.
• Elevated Threat Alert warns of a credible terrorist threat against the United States.
• Sunset Provision An individual threat alert is issued for a specific time period and then automatically expires. It may be extended if new information becomes available or the threat evolves. NTAS Alerts contain a sunset provision indicating a specific date when the alert expires - there will not be a constant NTAS Alert or blanket warning that there is an overarching threat. If threat information changes for an alert, the Secretary of Homeland Security may announce an updated NTAS Alert. All changes, including the announcement that cancels an NTAS Alert, will be distributed the same way as the original alert.

In Maryland all suspicious activity should be reported to the Maryland Coordination and Analysis Center at 800-492-TIPS (8477)