What is general quarters navy?

General quarters is a term used in the United States Navy to signify an immediate reaction to a combat or emergency situation. It is a shipboard alarm system that is used to alert all crew members to take action in response to an immediate threat. When the general quarters alarm is sounded, all shipboard activities cease, and the crew members proceed to their battle stations. All essential personnel report to their designated locations, while non-essential personnel are instructed to seek shelter in designated areas. The general quarters alarm system is used in various emergency situations, such as fire, chemical, biological or radiological attacks, flooding, or combat situations, to ensure the safety of the ship, crew and mission critical assets, and to facilitate rapid response to any sudden threat.