What is an emergency operations plan (EOP)?

An emergency operations plan (EOP) serves as a comprehensive framework outlining how a community will respond to emergencies and disasters. It details the coordination and implementation of local response efforts, assigns responsibilities, and establishes protocols for effective communication among various emergency management partners. The EOP provides guidance on organization and management of resources, operational procedures, and information sharing to ensure a coordinated response to incidents.

This document is critical for ensuring that all stakeholders, including local government, public safety agencies, NGOs, and community members, understand their roles and the overall strategy for dealing with emergencies. It lays out plans for various types of incidents, integrates preparedness and response activities, and outlines recovery and mitigation processes to enhance community resilience.