Hazard levels and usage
These colors must be implemented consistently and clearly across relevant campus media to ensure accessibility, visibility and user trust. This guide outlines the five color-coded hazard levels and provides direction on usage, placement and tone.
Critical Red
Hex #ff4c40
Level 1 — Critical
- Use for
- Life-threatening emergencies or immediate action required (e.g., active shooter, wildfire, major evacuation)
- Tone
- Direct, urgent, and authoritative
- Example
Emergency on campus. Shelter in place immediately.
High Orange
Hex #ff911c
Level 2 — High
- Use for
- Serious disruptions or safety concerns (e.g., hazardous weather, high alert advisories)
- Tone
- Firm and clear, but slightly less urgent
- Example
Severe weather warning in effect. Avoid travel.
Moderate Yellow
Hex #ffbd2d
Level 3 — Moderate
- Use for
- Service interruptions, campus impacts, or potential risks (e.g., power outages, road closures)
- Tone
- Informative and precautionary
- Example
Planned power outage on June 30. Backup systems will be in place.
Resolved Green
Hex #01c761
Level 4 — Resolved
- Use for
- Previously active emergencies that are now resolved, used to provide final updates or links to full reports
- Tone
- Reassuring and reflective
- Example
Flood watch lifted. Campus operations have resumed as normal.
Informational Blue
Hex #6ab4fa
Level 5 — Informational
- Use for
- General awareness, guidance, or updates related to previous events (e.g., policy changes, safety tips)
- Tone
- Calm and instructional
- Example
COVID-19 policy updates for summer session.