Which of the following is an example of a critical incident that occurs due to natural events?

• A. Active Shooter Events
• B. Hazardous Material Spills
• C. Hurricanes, Tornadoes, Floods and Wildfires
• D. Bomb Threats

Answer: (C)

Critical incidents caused by natural events are disasters that originate in the environment and challenge a facility’s normal operations, requiring a formal emergency response. Hurricanes, tornadoes, floods and wildfires are classic natural disasters—they arise from weather and natural conditions, can cause widespread damage, power outages, and evacuations, and demand coordinated sheltering, safety protocols, and external agency support within a correctional setting. In contrast, an active shooter involves deliberate human action; hazardous material spills are typically accidents or releases not inherently tied to natural forces; and bomb threats are intentional acts. Thus, the example of natural events is the one describing hurricanes, floods, and wildfires.