Review background information on Islamist terrorist threats in the guide titled "Are You Ready?" at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's website. Create a family or organizational plan using the guide for potential attacks, which could include explosions, biological threats, chemical threats, nuclear blasts and the threat of a radiological dispersion device.
Monitor news and government agency websites regularly for information on credible threats. Be cautious and remain alert for suspicious activities, especially if you live in a community with infrastructure that could be a target such as chemical depots, advanced transportation nodes, pipeline systems, military installations and ports.
Familiarize yourself with the updated National Terrorism Advisory System and watch for NTAS alerts. Register for alerts via email, Facebook, Twitter or add the alerts to your website or blog for quick reference. Read alerts as they are issued.
Check the Transportation Security Administration's list of items prohibited for airline passengers, and watch for alerts and advisories pertaining to threats against railways, air travel and marine crafts. Watch for specific information that might affect your domestic travel plans.
Check the U.S. State Department website to analyze current international warnings as early as you can prior to travel. Search for your destination from the list of current advisories, and read the information in its entirety if a warning exists. Register for email travel warnings about your specific destination for up-to-date information, as it becomes available.
Visit the website of the U.S. Embassy in the country you intend to visit, and look for relevant information for travelers. Read additional information from these embassies, as they might contain localized threat information, advice for visiting the region and specific concerns to remain alert for while traveling.
Register with the Bureau of Consular Affairs' Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, a free service that facilitates assistance from the U.S. Embassy in case of an emergency. Click "Create Account," and register as an individual or organizational account for group travel. Enter your desired STEP program user ID, personal information, passport information and other identifiers into the application. Click "Add Trip" to add your travel plans.
Monitor the news and State Department websites as the date of departure nears for any new developments. Call the department's travel line the day of departure for updated information at 888-407-4747 while in the United States, or by calling the U.S. Embassy when you arrive at your destination.
