EMERGENCY LEVEL DEFINITIONS

Purdue University's First Responders will react to all emergencies and decide the "emergency level" based on the following criteria:

Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3

LEVEL 1:

• A minor, localized department or building incident that is quickly resolved with existing University resources or limited outside help. A Level 1 emergency has little or no impact on personnel or normal operations outside the locally affected area.
• Level 1 incidents do not require activation of the University Integrated Emergency Operations Plan. Impacted personnel or departments coordinate directly with the departments of PUPD, PUFD, Safety, Radiological and Environmental Management, or Physical Facilities to resolve Level 1 conditions.
• Examples: Odor complaint, localized chemical spill, small fire, localized power failure, plumbing failure or water leak, normal fire and police calls.

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LEVEL 2:

• A major incident or potential threat that disrupts sizable portions of the campus community. Level 2 emergencies may require assistance from external organizations. These events may escalate quickly and have serious consequences for mission-critical functions, or may threaten life safety.
• Level 2 incidents may require activation of the University Integrated Emergency Operations Plan. The Emergency Management Director determines Plan/Emergency Operations Center (EOC) activation.
• Examples: Structure fire, structural collapse, significant hazardous materials release, extensive power or utility outage, severe flooding, multi-fatality incident, or an existing or imminent external emergency that may affect University personnel or operations.

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LEVEL 3:

• A major disaster or imminent threat involving the entire campus and surrounding community. Normal University operations are 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 jurisdictions.
• The Integrated Emergency Operations Plan is automatically activated and all EOC team members report to the designated location . Incident Command will be established to support the distribution of resources, personnel, and/or information.
• Examples: Major tornado, multi-structure fire or major explosion, major hazardous materials release, major earthquake, or a terrorism incident.

An emergency at any level will be debriefed at the conclusion of the incident for the purpose of review, training, and future enhancement of this plan.

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