Plan & Prepare is the process of planning and preparing for how to respond when an emergency occurs, and coordinating physical and human resources to respond effectively. Planning and Preparing includes establishing authorities, procedures and plans, training, exercises, and acquiring and maintaining resources.

Incident refers to the actual emergency event which occurs. See Levels of Emergency. 

Alert is the process of communicating information about the emergency to the campus community. 

Respond is quick action to save lives, protect property and environment, and contain and stabilize the incident. Response also includes search and rescue, emergency medical care, firefighting, and security. 

Recovery could be short-term or long-term efforts. Short-term recovery efforts will focus on restoring vital services to the university and providing the basic needs of staff and students, such as temporary food and shelter, restoring critical services and functions. Long-term recovery efforts focus on restoring the university to normal operations. 

Prevention & Mitigation activities are geared towards reducing or eliminating hazards related to an emergency. It is an integral part of the emergency management program which should assist in strengthening facilities and reducing damage.