University Levels of Readiness
The University will use a graduated emergency response approach to managing incidents and/or disasters.These states are called “readiness conditions” and consist of a four-tier system. As the potential severity of the incident or the demand on University resources grows, emergency response and coordination activities will increase to meet the demands. UHV organizes around four levels of readiness which provide a rapid method for mobilizing emergency response resources. In addition, this approach is used for activating the campus UHV-EOC.
Level 4: Normal Conditions - Minor Incident
Level 4: Normal Conditions - Minor Incidents: are localized campus incidents that may quickly be resolved with internal resources and/or limited assistance from the initial responders. A Level 4 minor incident may result in minor injuries to members of the campus community and may only affect a single localized area of the campus. Therefore, most normal campus operations are not disrupted.
Level 4 minor incidents may include, but are not limited to:
- Small fires
- Small hazardous material incidents/spills
- Limited power outages
- Ambulance call - minor injury
Level 3: Increased Readiness
Level 3: Increased Readiness: refers to a situation that presents a greater potential threat than “Level 4” and may pose no immediate threat to life and/or property.
Level 3 Increased Readiness may include, but is not limited to:
- Tropical Weather Threat
- Tornado Watch
- Flash Flood Watch
- Mass Gathering
Level 2: High Readiness
Level 2: High Readiness: refers to a situation with a significant potential and possibility of causing loss of life and/or property. This condition will normally require some degree of warning to the campus community. It includes serious incidents that may disrupt one or more operations of the campus and may affect mission critical functions or life safety. External emergency assistance may be required, as well as other major efforts from campus support services. Portions of the campus may not be accessible to students, faculty, and staff.
A Level 2 High Readiness may require an evacuation of sections of the campus and/or buildings. Coordination between campus departments may be required. Actions could be triggered by severe weather warning information issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) and other media sources.
Level 2 High Readiness may include, but is not limited to:
- Tropical Weather Threat
- Tornado
- Flash Flood Warning
- Winter Weather Threat
- Mass Gatherings
- Campus laboratory fire or explosion
- Major campus building fire
- Campus civil disturbance
- Widespread power outage
- Bomb threat(s)
- Campus suicide
- Death of a student, faculty or staff member (depending on circumstances)
Level 1: Maximum Readiness - University Disaster/Crisis
Level 1: Maximum Readiness: University Disaster/Crisis Incident: may be classified as a campus wide incident with serious potential impacts that may impair or halt the operations of the University. External emergency responders and services may be required. Incidents may escalate quickly and have serious campus consequences.
A Level 1 incident may require evacuation or shelter-in-place of several sections or entire campus buildings. Activation of the UHV-EM may be required.
Level 1 Maximum Readiness incidents may include, but are not limited to:
- Natural disasters – tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes and high winds
- Large scale hazardous material spills and biological threats
- Mass evacuation
- Health epidemics
- Hostage situations/Active shooter incidents
- Terrorist incidents