Emergency Levels
Purdue University's first responders will react to all campus emergencies and decide the emergency level based on the criteria listed below. Level 1 incidents are the most severe, while level 3 incidents are the least impactful.
Level 1
Level 1 is a major disaster or imminent threat involving the entire campus and/or surrounding community.
- Immediate notification is mandatory.
- Normal University operations are reduced or suspended.
- The effects of the emergency are wide-ranging and complex.
- A timely resolution of disaster conditions requires University-wide cooperation and extensive coordination with external agencies and jurisdictions.
- Incidents normally require the activation of the University's Integrated Emergency Management Plan and the Emergency Operations Center (EOC).
Examples: Major tornado, multi-structure fire or major explosion, major hazardous materials release, major earthquake or a terrorism incident.
Level 2
Level 2 is a major incident or potential threat that disrupts sizable portions of the campus community.
- The timeliness of notifications (either immediate or as time permits) is determined by the incident commander (IC) or designated official.
- Assistance from external organizations may be required.
- Incidents escalate quickly and have serious consequences for mission-critical functions or may threaten life safety.
- Incidents may require the activation of the University's Integrated Emergency Management Plan and the Emergency Operations Center (EOC).
Examples: Structure fire, structural collapse, significant hazardous materials release, extensive power or utility outage, severe flooding, multi-fatality incident, or an external emergency that may affect University personnel or operations.
Level 3
Level 3 is a minor, localized department or building incident that is resolved quickly with existing University resources or limited outside help.
- A warning notification is issued as time permits when determined by the incident commander or designated official.
- Incidents have little or no impact on personnel or normal operations outside the locally affected area.
- Activation of the University's Integrated Emergency Management Plan and the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) are not required.
- Impacted personnel or departments coordinate directly with the departments of Environmental Health and Public Safety or Physical Facilities to resolve conditions.
Examples: Odor complaint, localized chemical spill, a small fire, localized power failure, plumbing failure or water leak, normal fire and police calls.
An emergency at any level will be debriefed at the conclusion of the incident for the purpose of review, training and future enhancements.