ABSTRACT
The development of an Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) is necessary for most jurisdictions and organizations. This is the case whether you are in the public sector (government), private sector, the not-for-profit sector, or other organization. The development of an Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) is necessary for most jurisdictions and organizations. This is the case whether you are in the public sector (government), private sector, the not-for-profit sector, or other organization. The EOP is essential because it lays a foundation for a community’s or an organization’s all-hazards prevention/mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. The development of a comprehensive EOP is key to ensuring an efficient and effective response to both large-scale emergencies and disasters. To develop a comprehensive EOP, the emergency manager must develop an emergency planning team that incorporates not only internal stakeholders, but also partners from outside of the organization such as government agencies (local, state, federal), private sector, volunteer sector, and any other agency that could be a partner in emergency and disaster response and recovery. This emergency planning team can lend its cross-disciplinary expertise in developing the EOP The EOP must meet the community or organization’s needs and should remain flexible enough to be used for all hazards. The plan’s structure must also continually meet the organization’s needs to facilitate comprehensive emergency and disaster response and recovery.
