Will New National Terrorism Advisory System Be Tested in Wake of bin Laden Death?

With expectations of possible retaliation by terrorists over Osama bin Laden's death, the new National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS) could get a workout.

The new system replaced the color-coded Homeland Security Advisory System last week. "The 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," the White House said.

The government said all Americans 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.

The secretary of Homeland Security will decide, in coordination with other Federal entities, whether an NTAS alert should be issued. The alerts will be issued only when credible information is available and will include a clear statement that there is an imminent threat or elevated threat, the government said. Based on available information, the alerts are intended to provide a concise summary of the potential threat, information about actions being taken to ensure public safety and recommended steps that individuals, communities, businesses and governments can take to help prevent, mitigate or respond to the threat.

The NTAS alerts will be based on the nature of the threat: In some cases, alerts will be sent directly to law enforcement or affected areas of the private sector; in other cases, alerts will be issued more broadly through both official and media channels.

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.