The U.S. House of Representatives voted to replace the color-coded warning system used to alert the public to terrorist threats with a program that offers specific information about risks and suggested actions.
The change, passed 424-4 today as part of a bill authorizing the Homeland Security Department’s programs for next year, would require “regional and economic sector-specific warnings” and information on protective measures that should be taken.
“The color-coded system does not work well and has undermined the department’s credibility,” said Patrick Kennedy, a Rhode Island Democrat. “What we have now is a system that tells us to be scared. That’s it.”
More here. In other news, duct tape and plastic sheeting won’t help much in the event of a terrorist strike.