Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
many government continuity plans are dependent on private sector resources, espe-
cially in the area of critical infrastructure and key resources support.
Effective implementation of continuity plans and programs requires the support
of senior leaders and decision makers who have the authority to commit the orga-
nization and the necessary resources to support the programs. Emergency manage-
ment officials are often responsible for developing or assisting in the development
of continuity plans and programs for their jurisdictions. They are also available
to assist in reestablishing essential functions and services during emergencies and
disasters.
An organization's resiliency is directly related to the effectiveness of its continu-
ity capability. An organization's continuity capability—its ability to perform its
essential functions continuously—rests on key components and pillars, which are
in turn built on the foundation of continuity planning and program management.
These pillars are leadership, staff, communications, and facilities. The continuity
program staff within an organization should coordinate and oversee the develop-
ment and implementation of continuity plans and supporting procedures.
Pillars 1 and 2: People/Leadership and Staff
Continuity of leadership is critical to ensure continuity of essential functions.
Organizations should provide for a clear line of succession in the absence of exist-
ing leadership and the necessary delegations of authority to ensure that succeeding
leadership has the legal and other authorities to carry out their duties. Continuity
of leadership during crisis, especially in the case of senior positions, is important to
reassure the nation and give confidence to its citizens that the principal or appro-
priate successor is managing the crisis and ensuring the performance of essential
functions. Leaders need to set priorities and keep focus.
Leaders and staff should be sufficiently trained to be able to perform their duties
in a continuity environment. To ensure that required skill sets are available, person-
nel should be both cross-trained and vertically trained to be able to perform the
functions of their peers and the persons above and below them in an emergency.
Pillar 3: Communications and Technology
The ability to communicate is critical to daily operations and absolutely essential
in a crisis. The nation's domestic and international telecommunications resources,
including commercial, private, and government-owned services and facilities, are
essential to support continuity plans and programs. All organizations should iden-
tify the communication requirements needed to perform their essential functions
during both routine and continuity conditions. Communication systems and tech-
nology should be interoperable, robust, and reliable. Planners should consider the
resilience of their systems to operate in disaster scenarios that may include power
and other infrastructure problems.
Search WWH ::




Custom Search