Vital Facilities

The physical structures, technical facilities and main systems that are socially, economically or operationally essential for the functioning of a society or community, both in normal circumstances and during extreme circumstances due to an emergency. Comment: Vital facilities are elements of the infrastructure that support a society's essential services. They include transportation systems; airports and maritime ports; electric, water supply and communications systems; hospitals and health clinics; fire and police department services; and public administration services.