12 January 2013 Last updated at 13:30 ET

French terror alert system

France is stepping up security fearing attacks after intervening against militants in Mali.

Explore the table below to find out more about the country's alert system, known as vigipirate.

Vigipirate: The French terror alert system
Colour	Threat level	Action
Source: French government
	White: No threat	Normal security levels
	Yellow: Real but uncertain threat	Vigilance against indefinite threats and use of localised measures. Authorities ready to act should threat level change
	Orange: Plausible threat	Measures taken that are moderately disruptive to public activities. Preparations made to switch to higher alert
	Red: Highly plausible threat	Emergency counter-attack measures put in place, including protecting public institutions. Military in a state of readiness
	Scarlet: Certain threat of major attacks	All necessary security measures taken, including bag searches, controlled entry to shops, public transport and road tunnels as well as restrictions on civil aviation