DHS Unveils New NTAS Levels

 

 

 

# 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).

 

 

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DHS: New Guidance for Small Business

 

 

# 3734

 

 

I suspect one of the big reasons why more companies – particularly small businesses – haven’t put together a pandemic plan is that the task seemed too daunting.

 

Where do you even begin?

 

The Department of Homeland Security has come out with a very basic 10-page guidebook on preparing for the novel H1N1 pandemic flu.    This guidance is optimized for a moderate pandemic, such as is expected this winter, and not the more severe scenario that H5N1 might someday present.

 

You can either download the PDF or read the Text Version available on Flu.Gov.

 

The list of MORE RESOURCES at the end of the pamphlet is extensive, and points to more detailed planning advice, which most companies would be well advised to explore.

 

Planning for 2009 H1N1 Influenza: A Preparedness Guide for Small Business

Table of Contents

• Foreword
• Introduction
• How to Write Your Plan
• Keeping Healthy: 10 Tips for Businesses
• Keeping Healthy: 8 Tips for Individuals
• Frequently Asked Questions
• More Resources

Printable Version (PDF – 3.74 MB)

 

 

Small business disaster planning is a subject we’ve covered repeatedly in these pages, and has long been neglected by many small companies. 

 

Whether it is this winter’s pandemic, or the next hurricane, flood, earthquake, or other crisis, you should be preparing as if your company’s life depended on it.

 

A couple of my earlier blogs that business owners might find of particular interest are:

 

Quick! Who's Your CPO?

OSHA On Protecting Employees In A Pandemic

 

And of course, next week CIDRAP Business Source will be holding an H1N1 summit called : Keeping the World Working During the H1N1 Pandemic.   I’ll be part of one of the breakout sessions.

 

I hope to see you there.

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