DHS weighs dropping color-coded alert system

The Homeland Security Department has proposed to drop the color-coded terror alert system implemented after the Sept. 11 attacks, and replace it with more descriptive text-based alerts.

The Associated Press reports that Obama administration officials confirmed that DHS had proposed to discontinue the rainbow-colored system, which ranges from green (signaling a low danger of attack) to red (warning of a severe threat). Other federal agencies are reviewing the recommendation and responding to it.

Since the system was implemented, DHS has never put the threat level below yellow, indicating elevated risk.

Details on how the new system would work, including what the text of alert messages would be, have not been worked out, according to the AP report.

Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano ordered a review of the color-coded system in July 2009.

In September 2009, a task force created under the Homeland Security Advisory Council recommended modifying the system. It should have no more than three levels, panel members said. But they were divided on the issue of whether colors should be used.