Frequently Asked Questions

The National Terrorism Threat Level is assigned by the Attorney General in consultation with the Assistant to the President for Homeland Security, based on an ongoing analysis of the threat. There are several factors considered when assigning a specific threat condition. Among them:

• Is the threat credible?
• Is the threat corroborated?
• Is the threat specific and/or imminent?
• How grave is the threat?

In March of 2002, a Presidential Directive created the color-coded Homeland Security Advisory System (HSAS), in an effort to improve coordination and cooperation among all levels of government and the general public in the fight against terrorism. The system was intended to create a common vocabulary - a common understanding of the meaning behind the changes in threat conditions.

The Office of Homeland Security publishes recommended actions for each community sector based on each level of risk.

The EOC would normally be activated when: A) An incident occurring in West Covina may be expected to require outside resources for mitigation, or B) An incident has occurred outside of our jurisdiction that bears monitoring in anticipation of affecting our City. The EOC may be opened upon the recommendation of field personnel who determine an incident is sufficient to warrant it or by management personnel who want to stay ahead of a developing scenario.

The EOC provides support for field operations by locating and allocating additional resources and by anticipating future needs as an incident unfolds while maintaining a continual "situation status". EOC personnel also provide a formal communications link with our community and emergency operations in other communities. EOC personnel also begin the documentation and coordination necessary to ensure the recovery of eligible funding reimbursement from the State or FEMA.

Council's role during a disaster is much as it is during normal operations, that is, the Council establishes the policy that guides the rest of the organization. The Council is also the primary avenue of releasing information to the public, as well as monitoring and addressing community concerns.

Much of the information comes from the Los Angeles Terrorism Early Warning Center (TEW). The TEW is made up of the FBI, the Sheriff, the LAPD, and the Area Fire Service. The TEW is staffed 24 hours a day and monitors events worldwide with an ear to how they may affect Southern California.

Information is also obtained from many other sources, including the Office of Homeland Security and other emergency and non-emergency organizations, local and nationwide.

Once the EOC is activated, we are in direct communication with the County EOC, which has a nationwide communication capability. Additionally, the State's mutual aid system operates independently from but in conjunction with the County EOC system. Virtually unlimited resources are available to our community in the event of a disaster by simply asking for them.