> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.spike.sh/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.spike.sh/escalations/how-to-create-an-escalation-policy.md).

# How to create an escalation policy

{% hint style="info" %}
Not sure where to start? Spike offers [escalation policy templates](https://spike.sh/templates/escalation-templates) with pre-built configurations.
{% endhint %}

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Go to Escalations

Navigate to the [Escalations section](https://app.spike.sh/escalations) on the dashboard and click **New escalation**.

<figure><img src="/files/rlGCP1xQ9R99RdIv5GKu" alt="Escalations section on the Spike dashboard"><figcaption><p>Select Escalations from the sidebar.</p></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Configure the policy

1. Give the policy a clear, identifiable name.
2. Add one or more escalation levels.
3. Set a timeout for each level. This is how long Spike waits before escalating to the next level if the incident isn't acknowledged or resolved.

<figure><img src="/files/PqYkIaJQfU3UAoUF6Ic1" alt="An example escalation policy in Spike"><figcaption><p>An example escalation policy with two levels.</p></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %}
Leave the time interval blank on the last escalation step.
{% endhint %}
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Save

Click **Save** to activate the policy.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

## Simultaneous alerts

To alert multiple people or channels at the same time, add them as separate alerts within the same escalation level. Avoid creating a new escalation level with a 0-minute interval. This is not the same as simultaneous alerting.

<figure><img src="/files/TF6OcnWT8rp4NGn5Z8au" alt="Correct: multiple alerts within the same escalation level"><figcaption><p>Correct: multiple alerts within one escalation level.</p></figcaption></figure>