Alachua County Continuity of Government (COG) Alachua County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) 19 February hrs

Continuity Planning History 2004 – State funded Continuity of Operations or COOP Plans for Critical Services E911 Communications Emergency Management Fire Rescue*/Emergency Medical Services Law Enforcement* Public Works* 2005 – County Emergency Management hires grant positions to develop COOPs for remaining departments 2011 – State creates tool for development of COG Plans

COOP vs. EOP It is important to note the difference between a COOP plan and an Emergency Operations Plan (EOP). An EOP establishes the framework for the community’s response to disasters A COOP plan allows an agency or department to resume normal essential operations during an emergency situation with as little disruption as possible

Why COG? Preserve constitutionally elected leadership and authority Prevent unlawful takeover of leadership and authority Preserve vital government documents Assure mechanism are in place for government direction and control during an emergency Ensure government services continue for the public goof Makes good business sense

COG Assumptions: Must be maintained at a high-level of readiness Must be capable of implementation, both with and without warning Must be operational no later than 12 hours after activation Must maintain sustained operations for up to 30 days Should take maximum advantage of existing local, State or federal government infrastructures

Elements of COG Plan Purpose Planning Assumptions Objectives Applicability and Scope References and Authorities Procedures for Activation Orders of Succession Delegations of Authority Concept of Operations Emergency Actions Communications Essential Records Alternate Facilities Cooperative Agreements Reconstitution Devolution Plan Maintenance Training and Exercises

Objectives Identify Essential Functions and staff Provide for direction and control Procedures to activate COG Orders of Succession Delegations of Authority Identify alternate facilities/communications Protect essential resources, records, equipment, files, etc. Ensure smooth transition to alternate facility Training and exercise of personnel, plans

Continued Leadership Provide for public safety Reduce and mitigate disruption to essential functions Achieve a timely and orderly recovery Minimize loss of life and reduce property damge

Applicability and Scope Applicability Board of Commissioners All Departments Partner agencies Can be activated with or without warning Changes in the seat of government Scope Board Chair Local State of Emergency (LSE)

References and Authorities Alachua County Code Part II Title 2 Chapter 21 – Administrative Code Part II Title 2 Chapter 22 – Purchasing Part II Title 2 Chapter 27 – Emergencies County Charter Plans Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP) Continuity of Operations (COOP) Plans Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

Procedures to Activate Hazards With or Without Warning Disaster Impact Personnel Facilities Infrastructure

Orders of Succession Who’s In Charge? BoCC Chair Vice-Chair Manager or designee

Delegations of Authority What can they do? Local State of Emergency (LSE) Activates EOC, CEMP Activate COG Close County Offices Authorize Emergency Expenditures

Concept of Operations (CONOP) Direction and Control Alert and Notification Process Communications Essential Resources and Vital Records Alternate Facilities Cooperative Agreements Reconstitution Devolution

Plan Maintenance Annual Review Training Exercises

Training and Exercise Familiarize personnel with roles Validate the plan Types of Exercises Corrective Actions

QUESTIONS?

Next Steps Review and Comment March 8, 2013 COG Plan Approval March 26, 2013 COG Exercise Fall 2013

THANK YOU