Emergency Operation Plans

For state and local governments as well as entities such as hospitals, universities, and school districts, developing Emergency Operation Plans (EOPs) is a vital task. An EOP helps everyone who is involved in the disaster management cycle know what he or she should do from the point at which a natural hazard threatens to strike, all the way to the final recovery from the ensuing disaster. It explains who will do what, when, with what resources, and by what authority. Included in these responsibilities is the need to transmit hazard preparedness information and last-minute hazard information to the public. In the response period, when time is in short supply and everyone – from the highest government official to individual householders – is under stress, an EOP helps people respond appropriately and use resources efficiently. See an example of part of an EOP in Box 1.

Box 1: An example of an Emergency Operation Plans (EOP)

Brunswick County is located on the Atlantic coast of North Carolina and is often assaulted by hurricanes. It suffered several direct hits from hurricanes in the 1990s and most recently received a direct strike from category 2 Hurricane Arthur in July 2014. In response to this annual threat, the county in 2008 developed a long and detailed Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) for multiple hazards, including an annex designed specifically for hurricanes.

Presented here are modified excerpts of the hurricane annex to help you understand what an EOP looks like. The first part of this example defines Operating Conditions, or OPCONs, that trigger emergency management actions. There are 5 OPCONs: OPCON 5, Hurricane Season; OPCON 4, Alert; OPCON 3, Stand-by; OPCON 2, Preparation; and OPCON 1, Evacuation. The second part of the example lists important actions to take during the OPCON 2 Preparation phase.

OPERATING CONDITIONS (OPCONs)

The Control and Support Groups will be located in the Brunswick County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) at the Brunswick County Government Center. In the event that it becomes necessary to move the groups to an alternate EOC, the new location will be announced.

OPCON Triggers: To ensure that all activated personnel in the county have a coordinated hurricane response activities approach, the following OPCON levels will be utilized throughout the event.

OPCON 5: Hurricane Season
This OPCON indicates that hurricane season is open. Brunswick County will stay at OPCON 5 as of June 1st, the start of the hurricane season. At this time, all hurricane plans and procedures should be reviewed. Alert Rosters should be updated and verified. Storms will be monitored and tracked at this level.
OPCON 4: Alert
If the Brunswick County Emergency Management Director determines that a storm could possibly threaten Brunswick County, the County will be moved to OPCON 4. The primary events that will take place at this level are the notification of key personnel of the threat, and initiation of preparatory activities. The EOC (Emergency Operation Center) will not be activated at this stage.
OPCON 3: Stand-By
Once the Brunswick County Emergency Management Director has sufficient information that a storm poses a significant threat, the County will move to OPCON 3. This decision will be based on each of the storm’s specific characteristics. The EOC will be activated at this level, either at a partial or full status. The primary events that will occur include discussing evacuation and conducting pre-evacuation conferences and other preparatory activities.
OPCON 2: Preparation
Once a decision is made to recommend a Voluntary Evacuation or Mandatory Evacuation, the OPCON level will automatically move to OPCON 2. The EOC will be under Full Activation at this level. At this level, shelters will be prepared for opening. Public notification will be coordinated and press conferences coordinated. It is understood that once the County moves to OPCON 2, the County is prepared to commit substantial amounts of money and resources to the effort.
OPCON 1: Evacuation
Once a Voluntary Evacuation or Mandatory Evacuation order is announced to the public, the OPCON automatically moves to OPCON 1. At this level, the primary activity will be the evacuation of the vulnerable population. The EOC will remain at full activation throughout the evacuation and landfall.

EMERGENCY SERVICES

Manage the EOC Operations in accordance with the Brunswick County EOP.
Notify the following agencies of the current situation:
a. EOC Operations Personnel
b. North Carolina Emergency Management EOC
c. National Weather Service, Wilmington
d. County Administration / Elected Officials
e. Municipalities
f. Utilities and other stakeholders
g. Adjoining County Emergency Management Divisions
Monitor the weather situation.
Be available for media interviews and press conferences.
Install Variable Message Signs at designated locations.
Begin monitoring traffic patterns and prepare to adjust traffic signals, as appropriate.
Prepare to implement the traffic assistance plan.
Complete the establishment of the Amateur Radio Network.
Position equipment to support evacuation.
Take appropriate actions to protect critical Brunswick County facilities.
Coordinate for the movement and/or protection of Fire/EMS equipment during the storm’s impact.
Assist with status information concerning Law Enforcement Management.
Prepare to open shelters.
Coordinate with the PIO for a press release once the evacuation decision is announced.
Prepare to open Special Medical Needs Shelters if needed. Coordinate with the PIO for a press release once the evacuation decision is announced.
Position resources to assist with the management of the evacuation traffic. Resources must be in place prior to the start of the voluntary relocation.
Prepare to conduct “evacuation warning” in the evacuation zones, within the unincorporated portions of the county.
Implement the security plan in the evacuated areas.