# Default alert escalation elements

The alert system includes some predefined elements for configuring alert escalation.

The following default alert escalation elements are included:

- System Situations — System Situations contain definitions for events in the system that trigger a System Alert. There are no configurable parameters for System Situations and you cannot adjust when these Situations are triggered.
- System Alert — This Alert element is used for alerts triggered by critical events in the system’s internal operation (System Situations). System Alerts always require administrator action. Make sure that your Alert Policies escalate System Alerts.
- Default Alert — This Alert element defines the alert that is triggered if no other alert is specified. The Default Alert is used in the default Inspection Policy. You can also use it in your own custom configurations.
- Test Alert — This Alert element is used when you test alert handing.
- Default Alert Chain — This Alert Chain escalates all alerts to all administrators through user notification in the SMC Client.
- Default Alert Policy — This Alert Policy contains a rule that escalates all alerts using the Default Alert Chain.