Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
potential for no-notice emergencies, including localized acts of nature, accidents,
technological system failures, and military or terrorist attack-related incidents, have
increased the need for continuity capabilities and planning across all levels of gov-
ernment and the private sector.
The goal of continuity planning is to reduce the consequence of any disruptive
event to a manageable level. The specific objectives of a particular organization's
continuity plan may vary, depending on its mission and functions, its capabilities,
and its overall continuity strategy. In general, continuity plans are designed to
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Minimize loss of life, injury, and property damage.
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Mitigate the duration, severity, or pervasiveness of disruptions that occur.
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Achieve the timely and orderly resumption of essential functions and the
return to normal operations.
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Protect essential facilities, equipment, records, and assets.
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Be executable with or without warning.
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Meet the operational requirements of the respective organization. Continuity
plans may need to be operational within minutes of activation, depending on
the essential function or service, but certainly should be operational no later
than 12 hours after activation.
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Meet the sustainment needs of the respective organization. An organization
may need to plan for sustained continuity operations for up to 30 days or
longer, depending on resources, support relationships, and the respective con-
tinuity strategy adopted.
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Ensure the continuous performance of essential functions and operations
during an emergency, such as pandemic influenza that require additional
considerations beyond traditional continuity planning.
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Provide an integrated and coordinated continuity framework that takes into
consideration other relevant organizational, governmental, and private sector
continuity plans and procedures.
Responsibility for continuity planning resides with the highest level of manage-
ment of the organization involved. The senior elected official or the administrative
head of a state or local organization is ultimately responsible for the continuation of
essential services during an emergency and for the related planning. Organizational
responsibilities typically include the development of the strategic continuity vision
and overarching policy, the appointment of key continuity personnel, and the
development of a program budget that provides for adequate facilities, equipment,
and training.
Organizational continuity planning cannot be approached in isolation. The
effectiveness of one continuity plan is often dependent on the execution of another
organization's continuity plan as many agency functions rely on the availability of
resources or functions controlled by another organization. Such interdependencies
routinely occur between government and private sector organizations. Likewise,
