Operational Status Indicator

Emergencies at MD Anderson are triaged based on the severity of an event and its affect on the health and safety of our patients, visitors and employees. Actions that occur at each severity level are summarized below. See additional information on severity level conditions involving hurricanes.

Normal Operations 

• No incident occurring

Severity Level 1 - WATCH

• Emerging event with unknown impact
• ICS meetings begin to prepare for future event
• Communications with select groups

Severity Level 2 - WARNING

• Escalating event with potential impact
• Communications with broader groups such as managers, directors and supervisors

Severity Level 3 - OPERATIONS IMPACTED

• Event is occurring or has occurred

Examples of Potential Impacts:  

• Travel to thge location restricted or impacted
• Some degradation of operational services
• Controlled Access Plan implemented

Severity Level 4 - SIGNIFICANT IMPACT

• Event is occurring or has occurred

Examples of Potential Impacts

• All outpatient appointments are cancelled until further notice
• Research operations suspended until further notice
• Evacuation of buildings my be necessary 
• Treatments and elective procedures are cancelled until further notice
• Facility is in Lockdown/Shelter-in-Place mode