Lesson 03: The 5-Tier Evacuation Protocol¶

Key Idea¶

Clear departure guidance from low threat to critical emergency.

Learn how this principle supports faithful fieldwork, local ownership, and long-term effectiveness.

Threat Level	Description	Action Triggers
Level 1: Little to No Threat	Stable environment.	Register with the embassy and develop a Standard Operating Security Plan (SOSP).
Level 2: Low Threat (Precautionary Alert)	Early socio-political deterioration.	Fully fuel vehicles, verify Go-Bags are packed, designate central meeting places, and verify emergency cash reserves.
Level 3: Medium Threat (Authorized Departure)	Events posing actual threats have occurred.	Field Director may authorize non-essential staff and dependents to leave for a safe neighboring country.
Level 4: High Threat (Ordered Evacuation)	Unabated deterioration.	All international personnel are ordered to evacuate immediately; operations suspended or handed to national staff.
Level 5: Critical (Catastrophic)	Sudden, catastrophic event where contact with HQ is impossible.	On-the-ground Team Leader has full Decision-Making Authority (DMA) to act immediately to save lives and move to the nearest safe location.

Identify one current approach in your context that should be changed to support sustainable local work.

Use this lesson to shape a more sustainable, obedient, and locally led approach.