Level 1: Routine Operations

This level represents standard operations with no significant threats from occurring or forecasted events. The DHS&EM Operations Section performs routine activities, including monitoring conditions and publishing the Daily Situation Report. Events are effectively managed by the appropriate agencies without additional support.

Level 2: Heightened Awareness

This level indicates potential or present threats from events such as severe weather, river warnings, volcanic activity, wildland fires, extended search and rescue operations, law enforcement actions, or cybersecurity incidents. DHS&EM may deploy reconnaissance teams, mobilize additional staff, and continue publishing Daily Situation Reports. Routine DHS&EM staff remain in place unless activated to support SEOC operations. While exceeding routine conditions, these events remain manageable with common resources. 

Level 3: Significant Event

A Level 3 designation applies to imminent or ongoing events exceeding local community capabilities. Examples include flooding that disrupts transportation, extended search and rescue requiring inter-agency coordination, evacuations due to wildland fires, elevated Homeland Security Threat Levels, or significant cybersecurity attacks. SEOC operates extended hours, deploying Incident Management Teams (IMTs) and Preliminary Damage Assessment (PDA) teams. Local emergency operations centers may activate, and disaster declarations may be issued. DHS&EM coordinates field and SEOC augmentation with partner agencies and maintains comprehensive situation reports. The Disaster Policy Cabinet (DPC) and Multi-Agency Coordination (MAC) Group may be activated, and FEMA Region X is notified. 

Level 4: Major Incident

Level 4 applies to life-threatening and property-damaging events, such as major flooding, storm surges, tsunamis, earthquakes, or widespread cybersecurity breaches with critical infrastructure impacts. These incidents exceed local and agency capabilities, requiring statewide emergency resource mobilization. SEOC operates 12– 24 hours per day with support from state and federal agencies. The DPC and MAC Group convene regularly to ensure inter-agency coordination. State disaster declarations are typically in effect, and FEMA Region X provides liaison support. DHS&EM recalls staff as necessary, deploying IMTs and field teams to manage response efforts. If state resources are insufficient, a Presidential Disaster Declaration is requested via FEMA Region X.

Monitoring Criteria

Preparedness levels are identified in DHS&EM’s Daily Situation Updates. SEOC monitors statewide conditions and adjusts levels accordingly, consulting Division Leadership for Level 3 or higher. Criteria include: • Severe weather events with significant impacts. • Geologic events such as volcanic eruptions or earthquakes. • Wildland fire activity affecting response capabilities. • Significant cybersecurity incidents impacting critical systems. • Availability of statewide response resources (personnel and equipment). • Community-impacting events, including power failures, infrastructure issues, or large fires. These preparedness levels ensure a proactive, scalable response to protect Alaskan communities, infrastructure, and critical systems.

Current preparedness level will be identified on DHS&EM Daily Situation Updates. SEOC will monitor the statewide situation and recommend the appropriate preparedness level each day. The decision to go to Level 3 or above normally requires consultation with Division Leadership. The parameters for each level are general guidance only. Criteria used for establishing the preparedness levels may include:

• Actual or forecasted weather events that may cause significant impacts to the Alaskan people and their property,
• Occurring or predicted geologic events that can cause impacts to people, property and transportation systems [Normally these will be volcanic eruptions or increases in seismicity. Earthquakes could change preparedness levels, however that will normally occur after the event.],
• Wildland fire activity throughout the State which impacts DHS&EM response capabilities,
• Availability of emergency response and recovery resources statewide, both people and equipment [Normally, DHS&EM will first turn to the Division of Forestry for augmentation in the SEOC.],
• Significant events occurring in communities that may impact their response capabilities [examples include power system failures, water and sewer system problems, large fires, etc.].