Defining Continuity of Operations

Recently, I had the opportunity to attend a Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) training in Cincinnati. The training opened my eyes to improvements that we need to make as an organization in our readiness planning. During the fall and winter of 2009, I drafted what I thought was an Agency Emergency Plan, a plan that would help guide us through a disaster, and therefore keep us operating.

One of my lessons learned from the COOP training was that what I had actually drafted was an Emergency Response Plan, a plan that details how HandsOn Central Ohio, would respond during a disaster to meet the missions that we have been tasked with under the Franklin County (Ohio) Emergency Operations Plan.

The process of creating a COOP plan is much more involved and detail orientated then my Emergency Response Plan. COOP takes factors into consideration that require Senior level officials to make tough decisions about what agency functions are most essential, what resources are available or needed for the agency to operate remotely (either at home or at a Hot, Warm or Cold site). A final process requires Senior Officials to conduct worst case scenario planning, known as devolution, which outlines who inherits certain authorities and responsibilities if a Senior Official perished in the disaster.

Based on this training from the University of Maryland's Center for Health and Homeland Security, we have decided to host a Continuity of Operations Plan seminar for local non profits and faith based organizations on June 3rd, 2010 from 2:00 pm until 4:00 pm at Vineyard Columbus (6000 Cooper Rd, Westerville, OH 43081).

The number of attendees for this seminar is limited to 100 participants. We anticipate a strong response to this invitation, therefore we ask that organizations limit the number of attendees to two.

Online registration is available by clicking here.