Levels of Emergency

Emergencies can generally be classified into three levels:

Level I (Disaster)

A community-wide emergency that seriously impairs or halts the operation of Ithaca College. Outside emergency services would be needed. Major policy considerations and decisions would always be required.

Examples of a level I disaster include, but are not limited to:

• Mass casualties.
• Natural disaster such as earthquake or tornado.
• Large-scale hazardous material spill.
• Health epidemics.
• Major weather emergency.

Level II (Major Emergency -- Depending on Circumstances)

A serious emergency that completely disrupts one or more operations of Ithaca College and may affect mission-critical functions or life safety. Outside emergency services, as well as major efforts from campus support services, would be required. Major policy considerations and decisions would usually be required.

Examples of a level II major emergency include, but are not limited to:

• Hostage situation
• Major fire
• Civil disturbance
• Widespread power outage
• Bomb threat
• Laboratory explosion
• Suicide
• Death of a student, faculty, or staff member (depending on circumstances)
• Rape (depending on circumstances)
• Shooting or stabbing
• National terrorist incident

Level III (Minor Emergency)

A localized, contained incident that is quickly resolved with internal resources or limited help and does not affect the overall functioning capacity of Ithaca College.

Examples of a level III minor emergency include, but are not limited to:

• Small fire.
• Small hazardous material incident.
• Limited power outage.