Final answer:
The severity distinguishes between Level 1 and Level 2 emergencies.
Step-by-step explanation:
The characteristic that distinguishes a difference between Level 1 and Level 2 emergencies is severity. Severity refers to the extent of harm or damage caused by an emergency. Level 1 emergencies are typically less severe and have a lower impact, while Level 2 emergencies are more severe and have a higher impact.
For example, a Level 1 emergency could be a small-scale power outage that affects a neighborhood for a few hours. On the other hand, a Level 2 emergency could be a major earthquake that causes widespread destruction and impacts an entire region for days or weeks.
Duration, public awareness, and resources required may vary but are not the main distinguishing factors between Level 1 and Level 2 emergencies.