iPhone ‘App’ Of The Week : Homeland Security Advisory System

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26/03/2009 – iPhone ‘App’ Of The Week : Homeland Security Advisory System

Enter any airport in the United States and somewhere you will see a sign with five colours (red at the top green at the bottom) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) logo.    These five colours indicate the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) assessment of the risk of a terrorist attack, or the “National Threat Advisory,†at that moment.

Why are these signs posted?  The TSA has their reasoning, I have my reasoning, but this week’s iPhone App of the week the reasoning behind the signs is not relevant.   This week’s App is the Homeland Security Advisory System.

The Homeland Security Advisory System App is simple in its function; it gives users a current view of the current threat assessment.    Generally as the threat assessment elevates the tight security controls become while passing through TSA checkpoints.   While the TSA should be consistent at all times, their searching procedures tend to elevate as we move out of the “yellow/Elevated” and into the “orange/High.”

While the advisories have little use to 99.999% of the population, it is good to know the current threat assessment when dealing with the TSA, especially when flying with significant camera equipment or electronics that often trigger a secondary search following an x-ray inspection of your bag.

In addition to the Homeland Security Advisory System App, there is also the National Threat Advisory App that is nearly identical in function. Both iPhone Apps are free.

Below are three screen shots of the Homeland Security Advisory System App from my iPhone.

Happy Flying!
–Click Images Below To Enlarge–