continuity of operations tabletop exercise

(Insert agency name and/or date)

Continuity of Operations Tabletop Exercise

Are we prepared?

Purpose & Ground RulesCOOP Exercise

Test the Continuity of Operations (COOP) Plan, our ability to restore & maintain essential functions after a disaster incident, and communicate with staff & customers during & after the incident

Identify gaps that may exist between response actions and the written plan

Lessons learned during the TTX will be used to update the plan

Exercise Purpose

A COOP Plan will be available for each participant

A simulated disaster scenario will be introduced, based on realistic events

A facilitator will ask questions to facilitate a discussion on the Continuity of Operations (COOP) Plan

Other emergency issues may be involved during the discussions; however, COOP is the primary focus

Exercise Basics

Offer expert knowledge, advice, & opinions regarding the COOP Plan, procedures, & protocols in response to the simulated exercise scenario

Listen, support, and play an active role in the discussion with fellow participants

Help identify areas of improvement within the COOP Plan & test our ability to continue to provide essential services during/after a disaster

Participant Role

This exercise will be conducted in a stress-free, informal, and friendly environment

Use your expertise to explore gaps or issues that are not addressed/unclear in the COOP Plan

Participate openly & respectfully with othersCritical thinking & problem solving are

encouragedKeep your thoughts & comments to the pointBe considerate of others & time constraints of

a TTXNo question is a dumb question… be

inquisitive!

Exercise Ground Rules

ScenarioCOOP Exercise

It’s 9:30pm, Monday night – you receive a phone call that your primary building has just burned down.

Building Fire

Discussion QuestionsCOOP Exercise

Who makes the decision to activate the COOP Plan?

Where can you find a copy of your Continuity Plan?

How is your agency prepared to respond to this event?

COOP Plan Activation

How will your management staff communicate information to employees?Do employees know where to look/go for

information and future updates regarding the disaster?

How will your office communicate with the public?Do customers know how to access functions

performed by your agency?

Communication

What decisions need to be made about continuing operations the next morning? Who will make each of these decisions?

What agency essential functions must be performed given this disruption?

Who will carry out these functions?

Essential Functions & Personnel

What short or long-term alternate facilities are designated?

Who has the key/access to the alternative facility?

Alternate Facilities

What functional equipment or resources are at the alternate facility? Can you perform your essential functions?

What additional resources might you need to operate?

Do you have backups for technology resources, such as data systems or software applications?

Alternate Operating Capability

The Director, Deputy Director, & Public Information Officer are out of town at a conference.

Who is in charge? Can you contact the Director?

Who has the authority to make decisions? Purchasing authority?Planning authority?Operational authority?

Lines of Succession

Who will coordinate with the media to communicate information about your disaster? This might include:Information about the incidentSharing your relocation addressWhich services you can still offer, which are on

holdWhere to direct inquiries, phone numbers to

call, social media, and web page information

Public Information

Exercise DebriefCOOP Exercise

Strengths regarding our planning for and ability to continue operations during/after a disaster?

Areas for improvement/gaps? Which problem areas should be deemed highest priority?

Who is responsible for making these changes?

Debrief

Participant Feedback Forms – please fill out NOW & leave with the facilitator

COOP Plan revisions based on lessons learned today

Leadership approval of updated COOP PlanSubmission of revised COOP Plan to State

Division of Emergency Management by June 1, 2014

Next Steps

Thank You!(Your name, email address)