An unexpected occurrence inflicting widespread destruction and distress and having long-term adverse effects on agency operations. Each federal agency defines what a long-term adverse effect is in relation to its most critical program activities
Tom May, CEM, Steve Davis, Larrie Wright, All Hands Community, Glossary of Terms and Definitions (in the fields of Emergency Management, Business Continuity and related service areas), 3rd Ed, USA 2005. http://www.macogonline.org/archive/homeland/emerge ncy_glossary.pdf, (Emr Mgt, Biz Cont and related srvc areas - Brit) {482}