Viðbragðsstig

Viðbragðsstig is an Icelandic term for a formal scale used by authorities to classify the severity of a crisis or incident and to determine the corresponding level of governmental response. The term translates roughly as “response level” and is used across multiple sectors in Iceland, including public health, civil protection, disaster response, and security. The exact number of levels and the criteria for escalation are defined by the responsible agencies and may vary by context, but a common approach employs a small number of levels ranging from low to high.

Typically, escalation is guided by risk assessments, forecasted or actual impact on people, infrastructure, essential services, and social order. As the level rises, trigger actions increase in scope and intensity: activation of crisis management centers, mobilization of responders (police, fire services, medical services, and civil protection personnel), allocation of resources, and public communications to inform and guide the population. Communication strategies emphasize transparency and timeliness while maintaining proportionality to the threat.

The system enables coordinated action across national, regional, and municipal authorities and allows for rapid adaptation as situations evolve. It is often used during natural hazards such as floods or volcanic eruptions, as well as during public health emergencies or cyber incidents.

In practice, the exact definitions and procedures of Viðbragðsstig are published by the relevant authorities and can be updated in response to new risks or lessons learned from past events.