Continuity of Operations (COOP) Automation Program

About the Program

Category: Risk and Emergency Management (Best in Category)

Year: 2012

The Montgomery County, Maryland Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (OEMHS) develops and administers implementation of the Continuity of Operations (COOP) Plan cooperatively with county departments, agencies and municipalities. With approximately 40 departments, 15 municipalities and 6 agencies, most with a large number of subordinate organizations and buildings, it is imperative that the county government develop a continuity of operations program that ensures all organizations are prepared to provide mission essential functions during times of disaster. OEMHS, in close collaboration with the National Capital Region WebEOC administrative support team, has developed a COOP program management tool that is integrated with the county’s WebEOC Emergency management system. The WebEOC system is a widely used web-enabled crisis information management system used by various emergency response and management personnel across the country. The COOP automation tool simplifies the county organization’s COOP plan development process; optimizes the management of resources such as alternate office space and facilities, resources and supplies, and communications capabilities. It captures data which allows for the analysis needed to ensure that COOP may be executed without disrupting another organization’s efforts. By integrating the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) emergency management with COOP operations using the WebEOC system, Montgomery County is one of the few jurisdictions in the United States that has successfully merged these two critical emergency programs into one system. Situational awareness, leadership “dash board” reporting, collaborative information exchange, timely and orderly planning support, and ease of use has greatly increased the readiness of the county organizations during times of emergency.