City of Torrance - Threat Advisory System

The City of Torrance has adopted the following color-coded threat advisory system. The system is based, in general, upon the Federal system outlined by the Office of Homeland Security. The level of threat is gauged upon the risk to the City of Torrance or an area geographically close to the City that would have a direct affect on the City's ability to provide service to the Community. It is the responsibility of the Emergency Services Director (City Manager) to identify the current threat level for the City of Torrance.

The City of Torrance current threat level is:

Note: The City's level of threat may be different than the County at any given time. For example, the City may be Green, indicating that we are in routine operations, with a low risk of a possible emergency; however, the County, given its broader geographic area and facilities, may be Blue. This does not signify a lack of coordination.

Low Condition (Normal/Routine Levels)

There is a low risk of a possible disaster or emergency. The following steps should be applied:

Continuously review and update City and Department emergency plans.
Ensure training for response to all emergencies is current and on-going.
Regularly assess facilities for vulnerabilities and take appropriate measures to reduce risks.

Guarded Condition (Heightened Concern)

There is a general risk of a possible disaster or emergency. In addition to the previously outlined steps the following additional measures may be applied:

Check all emergency communications systems.
Review and update emergency response procedures for specific hazards.
Provide the public and City employees with necessary information.

Elevated Condition (General Threat)

There is a significant risk of a possible disaster or emergency. In addition to the previously outlined steps, the following additional measures may be applied:

Increase surveillance/checking of critical locations.
Coordinate emergency plans with nearby jurisdictions.
Assess further steps needed to respond to the current hazard within he context of the current threat and information.
Implement, as appropriate, contingency and emergency response plans.
Consider alerting City EOC staff.
Consider activating City EOC.

High Condition (Imminent Threat)

There is a high risk of a possible disaster or emergency. In addition to the previously outlined steps, the following additional measures may be applied:

Coordinate necessary security efforts with local or County law enforcement agencies and other public safety organizations.
Take additional precaution at public events.
Prepare to work at alternate sites or with minimized and/or dispersed workforce.
Restrict access to essential personnel at governmental facilities.
Activate the City EOC.

Severe Condition (Specific Localized Threat)

There is a severe risk of a disaster or emergency. In addition to the previously outlined steps, the following additional measures may be applied:

Assign emergency response personnel and pre-position specially trained personnel.
Consider closing non-essential public and government facilities.
Increase or redirect personnel to address critical emergency needs.