Glossary of Threats

Tornadoes: Tornadoes are best known for their funnel shape, which is created as the wind of a thunderstorm rotates. Twisters can pass through areas quickly, but cause immense damage. Structural damage from high winds and airborne debris, as well as death, can result from tornadoes. They are most common during the spring and summer in the Midwest region of the US (typically in the areas stretching from Nebraska southward through central Texas). However, if the right conditions exist, a twister can form at any time. The best approach your organization can take is to implement tornado preparedness efforts and be aware of when twisters are anticipated. A "tornado watch" means that a twister may occur in your area. A "tornado warning" means that a tornado has already been sighted.

Transportation Disruptions: Travel is a mainstay among many organizations - whether it is an employee's daily commute, sales call road trips, tours by performing arts organizations, or conference travel. An unexpected break in the transportation process could create a ripple effect throughout the organization. Transportation is also a lifeblood of organizations that provide or require shipping, mailing, and trucking services. If transport vehicles suffer a disruption, it could cause a catastrophic lull and loss of business. Transportation disruptions, such as traffic accidents, flight delays, and lack/loss of drivers occurring at any business could cause employee stress, loss of work hours, reputation damage, and delay of receipt of packages and/or mail, as well as present the potential for human injury or death.

Unauthorized Access: If an individual obtains either physical access to an organization's facility or remote access to computer data or other documentation and was not given permission for the activity, unauthorized access has occurred. Various people, such as hackers, industry competitors, burglars, or one's own personnel, can perform the illegal entry. Materials could be stolen or tampered with, classified information could be obtained and used by outsiders with knowledge of its occurrence, or the office could be vandalized.