RED - Conditions reflect a severe risk of terrorist attacks. A terrorist attack has either occurred or credible and corroborated intelligence indicates that one is imminent. Normally, this threat condition is declared for a specific location or critical facility.

ORANGE - A high condition is declared when there is a high risk of terrorist attacks and credible intelligence indicates there is a high risk of a local terrorist attack but a specific target has not been identified.

YELLOW - An elevated condition is declared when there is a significant risk of terrorist attacks. Elevated risk of terrorist attacks but neither a specific region of the United States nor target has been identified.

BLUE - A guarded condition is declared when there is a general risk of terrorist attacks. General risk with no credible threats to specific targets.

GREEN- A low condition is declared when there is a low risk of terrorist attacks. Routine security is implemented to preclude routine criminal threats.

The OSU Police Department is vigilant in its efforts to ensure the safety and well being of the OSU Community. Information concerning Homeland Security is reviewed on a daily basis, and when appropriate, measures are taken to reduce the possibility of disruptions of normal University activities or possible terrorists attacks.

Since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the world has increased its awareness to the idea of a strong Homeland Defense. Law enforcement agencies, on all levels - federal, state, and local - are committed to supporting Homeland Security and taking necessary steps to prevent terrorism.

This not only includes everything from preventing terrorists from boarding aircraft, to protecting critical infrastructures from attack or tampering (e.g. dams, bridges, water reservoirs, energy plants, etc.), but also assisting in the identification of possible terrorists, while providing a safe and orderly environment in which students can pursue their educational pursuits.

Oklahoma State University will strive to maintain a regular class schedule; however, the campus may find itself under a state of high alert necessitating increased security to help insure the safety of all campus residents and visitors.

When a state of high alert exists, OSU will strictly follow Homeland Security guidelines in implementing greater protective measures for all of those concerned. There will be an increased presence of police officers and security in and around all campus facilities, residence halls, and classrooms.

As conditions warrant, OSU's Emergency Operations Center will be activated where key staff will assemble to make appropriate decisions for further increases in security measures.

It is a simple fact of life that people lose things. While frustrating at the best of times, the "loss" can be costly if the item lost was a set of keys or swipe card for a "secure" environment. This loss could be significant if the security breach leads to theft, vandalism, or sabotage; while it can be dire if it leads to a terrorist obtaining access to a secure area of a water treatment plant, a power distribution center, or a biological or chemical laboratory. Any loss of keys or swipe cards should be reported to the OSU Police immediately.

Everyone is encouraged to be especially vigilant about unexplained or suspicious packages in their areas. At special events or large gatherings, purses, packages, and briefcases will be subject to search. Everyone should be prepared for emergencies and interruptions and review emergency and evacuation plans for their areas.

Please keep in mind that one of the objectives of terrorism is to frighten and disrupt activities of the University. To the extent possible, we want to continue normal activities of the university, but with a greater level of caution.

Additional information about homeland defense measures and homeland defense website links are located on the OSU Police website located at www.osupd.okstate.edu.