Comprehensive Emergency Action Plan Analysis

Disasters come in various forms. Some are man-made, while others are an act of nature. No matter what type of disaster may be on the horizon, it is imperative to be adequately prepared for it. The basic framework for this preparedness is the development of a comprehensive emergency action plan (EOP) (Developing and Maintaining Emergency Operations Plans, 2010, Chapter 4). EOPs are developed by a team of stakeholders involved in the entity creating the plan. Plans can include municipalities as a whole, or agencies within the municipality, public safety organizations, critical infrastructure and private organizations. Essentially, any organization that may face a disaster is encouraged to create a plan detailing how they will prepare for,
Each one of these organizations plays a vital role in the safety and security of the residence within their borders; therefore, they must be involved in any EOP discussions. If the goal is an effective, unified disaster response, it is important to include these stakeholders. For example, when faced with a serious wildfire, the various fire districts will activate a mutual aid agreement and engage in firefighting efforts. Wildfires often result in evacuation zones, which require law enforcement interaction. In the event of evacuations, the need for temporary shelters is created. Should the wildfire encroach upon a populated area, it could cause damage to both electrical and water supply infrastructure, which would require personnel from both respective agencies. With fire comes smoke. This smoke often creates breathing-related illnesses, which increase patient numbers at the regional, privately owned medical center. As seen, it is not up to one agency to prepare for a disaster, but rather is the responsibility of the community as a
These plans, as the name implies, allows for the continuation of essential operations during an emergency. To borrow the old phrase, “life goes on.” During disasters, even though agencies are not going to be able to complete all functions they do during normal operations, they are still required to perform essential functions. A COOP should clearly state the functions that are necessary, the steps to be taken to ensure those functions are accomplished. While we know a local police department’s COOP would likely direct them to focus mainly on life saving operations and maintaining evacuation zone security, for example, other governmental agencies must also develop COOPs. A jail must still maintain custody of inmates. They must also take custody of suspects arrested for crimes during a disaster. The court system also has a statutory duty to operate during a disaster. Those charged with crimes are required to appear before a judge within 24 hours. Victims of violent crime also have the right to appear before a judge to request Orders of Protection seven days a week. In the face of a catastrophic event, how does an agency continue to operate? The COOP plan serves to designate alternate physical facilities from which to operate should the primary location be uninhabitable. It also