To determine the likelihood of a terrorist attack, the MOST effective step is to:

To determine the likelihood of a terrorist attack, the MOST effective step is to:

• A. Know the current threat level issued by the Department of Homeland Security
• B. Review local weather conditions
• C. Check hospital bed availability
• D. Consult school calendars

Answer: (A)

Understanding risk in terrorism response hinges on official threat information. Knowing the current threat level issued by DHS is the strongest step because it directly reflects the assessed probability of an attack and the recommended protective actions. This information guides how you adjust security, coordinate with law enforcement, and prepare your resources for a potential surge. Weather conditions, hospital bed availability, and school calendars don’t provide reliable indicators of attack likelihood, so they don’t help you gauge risk or tailor protective measures. Staying current with the DHS threat level gives the clearest picture of risk and the best basis for readiness.

Understanding risk in terrorism response hinges on official threat information. Knowing the current threat level issued by DHS is the strongest step because it directly reflects the assessed probability of an attack and the recommended protective actions. This information guides how you adjust security, coordinate with law enforcement, and prepare your resources for a potential surge. Weather conditions, hospital bed availability, and school calendars don’t provide reliable indicators of attack likelihood, so they don’t help you gauge risk or tailor protective measures. Staying current with the DHS threat level gives the clearest picture of risk and the best basis for readiness.