What is the purpose of your organizations emergency management program?
According to FEMA, an EOP is a document that: Show
As a public document, an EOP also cites its legal basis, states its objectives,and acknowledges assumptions. EOPS may also be called an All Hazards Plan and can be a stand-alone plan or an appendix to a comprehensive plan.
Planning ConsiderationsAll plans provide the framework to prepare for and perform during emergencies. Considerations for an effective EOP include attention to:
1. Four Phases of the Emergency Management CycleThe activity below describes the four phases of the emergency management cycle.
2. National Standards - CapabilitiesAn EOP for public health and medical disciplines should be based on national standards. CDC developed 15 public health emergency preparedness (PHEP) capabilities. The Assistant Secretary of Preparedness and Response (ASPR), in alignment with the 15 PHEP capabilities, developed eight healthcare preparedness capabilities. CDC and ASPR can link funding opportunities to these capabilities. Capabilities are useful when disciplines are identifying gaps, setting priorities, and developing plans to build and sustain capacity. All health and medical disciplines should be involved in planning to meet the capabilities, but keep in mind that different disciplines will have different (or maybe no role) during certain phases of the emergency management cycle.
3. Systematic Analysis of HazardsPlans should be developed in a systematic manner based on an analysis of hazards. A hazard vulnerability analysis (HVA) provides a systematic approach to recognize hazards, determine risks, assess capabilities, and prioritize response. It can be considered a needs assessment for emergency preparedness. Strengthening Hazard Vulnerability Analysis: Results of Recent Research in Maine is an article that provides an overview of how institutions at the local level currently implement HVA as well as how to improve HVA efficacy. Many tools exist for conducting a hazard vulnerability analysis. Kaiser Permanente developed an HVA tool for hospitals. It's a sample tool that can be downloaded for planning purposes. Below is a screen shot from the tool showing the worksheet that can be filled out for human-related events. 4. CollaborationSuccessful planning requires collaboration with various groups that have a role or stake in emergency response. Who should be involved? Below is a quote from Comprehensive Preparedness Guide 101: Developing and Maintaining Emergency Operations Plans (Version 2.0) that addresses this important question.
The following quote is also taken from the guide and explains why it is so important to involve the community in development of an EOP. return to top | previous page | next page |