Disaster - Answers Any human made or natural event that causes destruction and devastation
that cannot be relieved without assistance.
Predictability - Answers Able to be aware that an event is going to happen. Some are easier than
others.
Controllability - Answers Mitigation measures; Stop or reduce damage to communities, i.e.,
sandbagging for flood.
Speed of Onset - Answers Length of time for something to reach community. i.e., flash floods vs.
gradual floods.
Length of Forewarning - Answers Number of days for an event to happen.
Duration of Impact - Answers How long will the event last? i.e., Storm will stay for a number of
days/weeks.
Scope and Intensity - Answers Geographic area/dimension affected. What is the amount of
devastation that comes from this disaster?
Direct Victims - Answers Those who actually experience the event.
Indirect Victims - Answers Those who are otherwise affected. i.e., families, children, businesses.
Multiple Casualty - Answers More than 2, but less than 100 deaths.
Mass Casualty - Answers More than 100 deaths.
Major Disasters - Answers Any natural catastrophe or fire, flood, explosion, regardless of cause
which is of sufficient severity to warrant assistance to alleviate damage caused by the event.
Emergencies - Answers An event for which federal assistance is needed to supplement
state/local efforts to save lives, protect public health and safety, protect property, or avert the
threat of a catastrophe. Pandemics are considered an emergency.
Level 1 Disaster - Answers Minor Disaster; minimal federal involvement; community resources
are adequate.
Level 2 Disaster - Answers Moderate Disaster; Presidential declaration; moderate federal
assistance; federal agencies may respond.
Level 3 Disaster - Answers Mass Casualty disaster. Severe impact and wide scope; total federal
involvement.
Level 4 Disaster - Answers FEMA in charge and reports only to the president; Executive order;
National Guard is activated; Governor asks president for help because resources have been