Critical Facilities and Infrastructure

Facility that, because of its function, size, service area, or uniqueness, has the potential to cause serious bodily harm, extensive property damage, or disruption of vital services if it is destroyed, damaged, or has its functionality impaired. FEMA includes hospitals, fire stations, police stations, critical record storage facilities, and similar structures in this category; the American Society of Civil Engineers additionally includes facilities related to energy, water, transportation, communication systems, and natural and virtual resources. For local regulations, a community may also use the International Codes’ definition for Category III and IV buildings.