Special Events
Special events are organized, pre-planned occurrences that bring people together in large numbers. These events typically include sporting events, contests, festivals, parades, conventions, dedications, memorials, high-profile federal meetings, visits by government officials, and visits by international dignitaries or heads of state.
The National Security Event Data Call (NSEDC) survey is distributed to local government and private venues each year. RIEMA, in partnership with the Rhode Island Fusion Center, participates in this event annually. This process depends on the voluntary participation of stakeholders to complete the survey, which collects information about events occurring within their jurisdictions.
Additionally, the Special Events Working Group (SEWG) developed the Special Event Assessment Rating (SEAR) framework to evaluate the potential security needs of special events across the United States. Once the survey is submitted and evaluated, it receives a SEAR rating score between 1 and 5 (with 1 being the highest and 5 being the lowest). Events that score high on the scale—typically a 3 or above— may be eligible to receive federal assistance.
What are Special Event Assessment Rating (SEAR) Events?
SEAR events are voluntarily submitted special events that are sent to the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Office of Operations Coordination (OPS) by state, local, and federal officials for a risk assessment. OPS applies a risk-based methodology to all submitted events and assigns a SEAR rating. This methodology considers the threat, vulnerability, and consequences of each event.
Submitted events may receive one of the following SEAR ratings:
| Level | Description |
|---|---|
| Level 1 | Significant events with national and/or international importance that require extensive federal interagency support. |
| Level 2 | Significant events with national and/or international importance that may require some level of federal interagency support. |
| Level 3 | Events of national and/or international importance that require only limited federal support. |
| Level 4 | Events with limited national importance that are managed at the state and local levels. |
| Level 5 | Events that may be nationally recognized but generally have local or state importance. |
RIEMA and the RI Fusion Center will assist as the state agencies upon request regarding Special Events. To request assistance, simply fill out the survey linked below. If you require assistance, please use the contact information available in the menu on this page.
Survey