What type of incidents require a different operational approach according to EO 1.21?

The choice highlighting high-impact events such as natural disasters or terrorist attacks is correct because these types of incidents often demand a distinct operational approach due to their scale and potential consequences. High-impact events typically require coordination among multiple agencies, extensive resource deployment, and strategic planning to ensure an effective response. This includes establishing command structures, integrating assistance from various organizations, and possibly coordinating with federal or state-level resources.

Furthermore, the complexity and urgency involved in high-impact scenarios necessitate an immediate and organized response to mitigate damage and aid affected communities. The operational priorities shift from routine procedures to a more dynamic and comprehensive strategy tailored to the incident's severity and potential risks to the public and infrastructure.

On the other hand, incidents with high public visibility do not always require a fundamentally different operational approach compared to routine incidents; the visibility may impact communication strategies but not necessarily the operational tactics. Routine matters of administrative nature and minor incidents typically can be managed within established protocols without requiring the specialized frameworks necessary for high-impact events.