IRM Guide for Local Jurisdictions
Step 3 – Give Context to the Risk
Example Threat and Hazard Descriptions
Threat/Hazard Group
Threat/Hazard Type
Flooding
Natural
Scenario: A large storm producing heavy rain, high winds and hail is followed by several
additional storms causing continued downpours lasting for several days. The result is an
unprecedented amount of rainfall leading to severe flooding across the region.
Tornado
Natural
Scenario: An F4 category tornado coming out of the west traverses the northern portion
of ABC County leaving a ½ mile wide path of destruction.
Hazardous Material Incident
Technological
Scenario: A large release of a toxic substance in the afternoon near several neighborhoods
and schools in ABC County.
Cyber-Terrorism
Human caused
Scenario: Cyber intrusion into systems controlling the electrical power grid results in a
massive loss of electrical power and internet capability for much of Ohio, including ABC
County, and neighboring states for a prolonged period.
Dam Failure
Technological
Scenario: A major dam breach occurs with little or no warning, impacting multiple
downstream communities.
Utility/Energy Interruption or Failure
Technological
Scenario: A utility interruption in ABC County causes a power outage for 50% of the
population for a period of ten days.
Infectious Diseases
Natural
Scenario: A highly infectious disease epidemic results in a large number of severe illnesses
and deaths and causes an extended disruption to schools and businesses.
Severe Winter Weather
Natural
Scenario: A serious ice storm brings high winds and covers most of ABC County in as much
as two (2) inches of ice.
Extreme Heat
Natural
Scenario: A heat event with a heat index of at least 105°F for more than three (3) hours
per day occurs over a five (5) consecutive day period.
Severe Summer Weather
Natural
Scenario: A severe thunderstorm with hail and winds over 50 miles per hour lasts over
several hours with total rainfall of three (3) inches.
Air and Water
Technological
Pollution/Contamination
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IRM Guide for Local Jurisdictions
Step 3 – Give Context to the Risk
Scenario: An accident occurs in which sewage contaminates drinking water supplies.
Transportation Accident-Aircraft
Technological
Scenario: An incident occurs where a passenger airplane crashes into a neighborhood in
ABC County.
Invasive Species
Natural
Scenario: An infestation of Ash Borer impacts multiple communities throughout ABC
County.
Drought
Natural
Scenario: An 8-week period with no rain severely impacts the growing season.
Earthquakes
Natural
Scenario: A magnitude five (5) earthquake in Southeast Ohio causes minor to moderate
damage to several communities within ABC County.
Lone Wolf Terrorist Incident
Human caused
Scenario: A single domestic terrorist detonates an improvised explosive device (IED) within
a county agency.
WMD Terrorist Incident
Human caused
Scenario: An IED is exploded at a major sporting event in the county.
Civil Disturbance
Human cause
Scenario: Civil unrest resulted in mass protests at several government facilities. Store fronts are
destroyed and several buildings are burned.
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