Public Safety Officials In N.C. Claim Warning System Will Be Big Improvement

RALEIGH, N.C. — Public safety officials in North Carolina say a new warning system will be a big improvement.

There is a new way to issue terror alerts across the country, based on color. According to the new alert system:

Local police and firefighters would be among the first to find out about potential threats. They could advise residents about how serious the risk is, and how to prepare for it.

The information could be about a specific state, city or business.

"Whether it's low or severe, one through five, green through red, but also here are specific measures you should take at this level," said Sec. Bryan Beatty of the Crime Control and Public Safety Department.

State and local governments will have 45 days to offer their input about the new warning system.