I don't think it's an issue of "Panic" or "Don't Panic."
It's not like you have to put your life on hold while you diligently scour the viewable domain looking for things that are out of order.
I believe the concept is to make the citizens aware that some potential threat, which, by whatever information has been received, appears to be an above-average possibility (a little less remote of a possibility).
With this concept in mind, if you see something that doesn't appear normal, or you see something that could be a threat, let someone know ASAP so that it can be investigated.
It's to everyone's advantage to keep their eyes open and be looking, especially in the main population areas.
What's the problem with that? Why is that so hard to accomplish?
"Oh Damn! Now I have to be alert....."
JMHO, FWIW
Scott