An indicator used to alert operators and personnel that there has been a significant deviation from an expected measured process variable or process condition. The alarm may be audible in the form of a siren, bell, or other noise, or may be a flashing or continuous light signal. Alarms are a feature of control panels where the process is displayed on screens with associated alarms. Alarm flooding is a condition in which alarms appear on control panels in control rooms at a rate which exceeds that which an operator can comprehend or respond to quickly or effectively. It therefore prevents the operator from identifying the cause of the process upset and consequently limits the scope for an effective response.