Complex Coordinated Terrorist Attack (CCTA) Resources

Resources for Whole of Community Preparedness

Acts of terrorism represent an ongoing threat today. As fire service professionals, it is vital that we maintain an awareness of the tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) frequently used by terrorists, train our people to respond effectively, and work closely with community stakeholders to build their preparedness and resilience.

Terrorist attacks can range from highly sophisticated complex coordinated terrorist attacks (CCTAs), to relatively simple yet deadly attacks carried out by lone offenders. Although it has traditionally been foreign terrorist organizations, homegrown violent extremists, and domestic violent extremists that have conducted these attacks, on occasion, deadly attacks have been carried out by individuals with no specific ideology. Irrespective of the ideology or lack thereof, our preparedness must consider the potential for such deadly acts of violence taking place in communities large and small.

This page and was developed to provide a convenient location to access a broad range of unclassified documents and videos whose aim is to build our preparedness and resilience. Since the information provided is unclassified, it can be shared freely with your people and with community stakeholders.

If You See Something, Say Something

Recognize the signs of terrorism-related suspicious activity. Whether you are on your way to work, walking in your neighborhood, or out and about in your community, remember: We all play a role in keeping our communities safe. Remember to stay vigilant and say something when you see signs of suspicious activity. Visit DHS Website.

To Report Suspicious Activity, CLICK HERE

CCTA Guidance Documents

The LA/OC CCTA Working Group developed the attached Active Assailant/Shooter & CCTA/CCA Response Checklist to provide guidance to the region’s agencies as they train and build their capacity to respond to these incidents. It is the result of numerous exercises, discussions, and includes the input of several of the region’s law enforcement and fire command subject-matter-experts. To download this document, CLICK HERE.

FEMA – Planning Considerations: Complex Coordinated Terrorist Attacks

This guide supports planning for Complex Coordinated Terrorist Attacks (CCTAs) and provides a summary of their unique characteristics. The document builds on Comprehensive Preparedness Guide (CPG) 101: Developing and Maintaining Emergency Operations Plans, and CPG 201: Threat and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (THIRA) Guide by providing planning considerations specific to CCTAs, which are relevant both to developing a plan and to completing a THIRA.

National Organizations

As an entity of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the mission of the U.S. Fire Administration is to support and strengthen fire and emergency medical services (EMS) and stakeholders to prepare for, prevent, mitigate and respond to all hazards.