Surge Capacity Planning

The 75% Rule

Plan so routine occupancy stays around 75% or below. The headroom above that line is your surge reserve — the everyday cushion that absorbs a bad week before any emergency plan is triggered.

Tiered Surge

Surge should escalate in tiers: built-in reserve first, then rapid pop-up capacity, then large-scale mass-fatality deployment. Each tier covers a bigger event than the last.

Triggers & Activation

Define the occupancy levels that trigger each tier and who authorizes activation. Clear triggers turn surge response from a judgment call under stress into a documented procedure.

Reserve That Stays Ready

Surge capacity only helps if it is maintained and monitored. Keeping reserve equipment serviced and a supplier on call ensures the plan works when it is finally needed.

Surge Planning Resources