Emergency Operational Plan

Competencies Addressed in This Discussion

• Competency 2: Explain the role of emergency planning within the emergency management field.
• Competency 3: Specify evaluation techniques for emergency management response effectiveness.

Introduction

In your Emergency Planning text, you read about the emergency operational plan (EOP) and what content should go into one. While there is no set model for an EOP, the text mentions two documents that aim to define the tasks that should be reflected in the planning process and an EOP:

• The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) produced the Universal Task List: Version 2.1.
• DHS also published the Target Capabilities List: Version 1.1 These documents aim to define the tasks associated with response.

There are more recent documents concerning the Core Capabilities, which now number 31 and are grouped into the five mission areas of:

• Prevention.
• Protection.
• Mitigation.
• Response.
• Recovery.

The Information Sheet: National Mitigation Framework shows a sidebar of the mitigation-specific core capabilities. FEMA Responds to GAO Audit on Katrina/Rita Public Assistance addresses how to mitigate shortfalls experienced in previous hurricanes.

Instructions

In your main discussion post:

• Define the importance of having an emergency operations plan (EOP).
• Identify steps that could be taken to address shortfalls that may occur in the areas of resources or trained personnel capabilities.
• Explain your rationale behind the step selections.

Support your answers with researched resources, including your text. Cite two sources to support your position on each question for a total of four references.

Discussion Objectives

The competencies addressed in this discussion are supported by discussion objectives, as follows

• Competency 2: Explain the role of emergency planning within the emergency management field.
  • Define the importance of having an emergency operations plan.
• Competency 3: Specify evaluation techniques for emergency management response effectiveness.
  • Identify steps that could be taken to address shortfalls that may occur in the areas of resources or trained personnel capabilities.
  • Explain your rationale behind the step selections.

Response Guidelines

Respond to two other posts. Identify areas of importance you found in your peers' posts that were not in your own concerning the importance of an EOP and the steps that can be taken to mitigate capability shortfalls. Now that you have seen them, would you include them in your own reasons? Why or why not? Do you agree with the rationale shared by others regarding their steps? Why or why not? You may use opinion, but if any facts are used, you must cite the sources.

Resources

• CJ Discussion Participation Scoring Guide.
• FEMA Responds to GAO Audit on Katrina/Rita Public Assistance.
• Core Capabilities.
• Information Sheet: National Mitigation Framework.
• Criminal Justice Undergraduate Research Guide.
• Community of Excellence.
• G.R.E.A.T. Discussion Guidelines.