Continuity of Operations (COOP) Planning

Also referred to as Business Continuity Planning, COOP Planning attempts to mitigate the lasting impact and interruption to business practice resulting from a catastrophic event or disaster, including flood, earthquake, and pandemic influenza. Developed in the 1980’s, COOP planning stems from a national security mission to ensure the survivability and sustainability of the United States against a potential catastrophic event that may have long-term effects.

While many Federal and State agencies are focused on developing plans for Continuity of Operations (COOP) and Continuity of Government (COG), Central District Health Department would like to encourage our local business partners to address their own COOP processes to ensure their ability to continue to provide goods and services to our communities in disaster situations. On the right are some suggested sources of information to aid in this process.

Intro to COOP Planning for Pandemic Flu

New! IS 520: Introduction to Continuity of Operations Planning for Pandemic Influenzas Course

This course introduces students to the characteristics of a pandemic influenza, the effects that a pandemic influenza can have on every facet of our society, and the steps their organizations can take to minimize the effects of a pandemic.

Take this online course by at the FEMA website.

Resources

• Treasure Valley Business Continuity Planners
• Continuity of Operations Programs (From FEMA)
• Continuity of Operations/Continuity of Government (From IBHS)
• Plan to Stay in Business (From Ready.gov)

View online webcasts to learn more about COOP planning:

• The Reasons for and Key Elements of Continuity of Operations Planning From the Alabama Department of Public Health

Duration: 1 hour
*Requires either Real Player or Windows Media Player to view webcast.

• A Practical Tool for Business Continuity During a Flu Pandemic From the Northwest Center for Public Health Practice

Duration: 1 hour
*May require iLinc to play. Click on webcast link for more information.

• Starbucks Business Continuity Planning: Hurricane Katrina and Pandemic Influenza From the Northwest Center for Public Health Practice

Duration: 1 hour
*May require iLinc to play. Click on webcast link for more information.