Emergency Plan - Grand Strand Water and Sewer Authority

BASIC PLAN
1.6.4. EMERGENCY CLASSIFICATION LEVELS
The size, urgency, and complexity of a response should be in direct proportion to the needs of the
incident. Classifying the level of an emergency will help ensure an appropriate response and assist in
prioritizing activities. Under-responding can allow incidents to escalate, perhaps dramatically, while
over-responding ties-up valuable resources unnecessarily.
The following guidelines should be used to help classify the severity level of each emergency
incident. These are guidelines only. Every incident will be different and must be classified based upon
its specific degrees of urgency, severity, complexity, and possible consequences.
A. LEVEL 1 EMERGENCY (STANDARD “EMERGENCY”)
STANDARD: These incidents, while not a daily occurrence, are dealt with often enough they are fairly
routine in nature. The situation can generally be handled at departmental levels. They may require
some support but minimal, if any. (See Section 1.10.2 Level 1 ICS)
B. LEVEL 2 EMERGENCY (MINOR EMERGENCY)
MINOR: These incidents are more serious than “Routine” and may require some level of emergency
support and assistance. May involve more than one department, and personnel may be re-directed
from normal duties. May require “Partial Activation” of the GSWSA Emergency Operations Center
(EOC). (See Section 1.10.3, Level 2 ICS)
C. LEVEL 3 EMERGENCY (MODERATE EMERGENCY)
MODERATE: These incidents are more serious than “Minor” and will require emergency support and
assistance. May involve several departments and personnel may be re-directed from normal duties to
assist. May require “Partial” or even “Limited Activation” of GSWSA EOC. (See Section 1.10.4,
Level 3 ICS)
D. LEVEL 4 EMERGENCY (SERIOUS EMERGENCY)
SERIOUS: These incidents are more serious than “Moderate” and will require emergency support and
assistance. Partial, if not full, activation of this plan will be required. Will likely require “Limited
Activation” of the GSWSA EOC and may require “Full Activation”. Will likely involve several
departments and personnel may be re-directed from their normal duties to assist. Public information
and media issues are very likely. (See Section 1.10.5, Level 4 ICS)
E. LEVEL 5 EMERGENCY (MAJOR EMERGENCY)
MAJOR: These incidents will have severe impact on the organization and will require full activation
of this plan involving the highest level of emergency management and operations. Modified
operational plans may be required. Complete recovery time may exceed two weeks. Requires “Full
Activation” of the GSWSA EOC. (See Section 1.10.6, Level 5 ICS)
Grand Strand Water & Sewer Authority 12 CONFIDENTIAL MATERIALS
Emergency Management Plan SECURITY SENSITIVE
June 7, 2013 NOT FOR PUBLIC DISCLOSURE