Emergency preparedness is an issue that affects everyone in our community, and we all know that nonprofits play a critical role during emergency response and recovery. On this page you will find links directing you to some of the many preparedness resources available in the National Capital Region.

Preparing Your Organization

Preparing your organization in the event of an emergency should be a priority in order to guarantee your organization’s ability to carry out its mission during an emergency- from natural disaster to an office fire. The best way to assist the individuals in your community is to mke sure that you and your employees do not become victim due to a lack of preparation.

Continuity of Operations Planning (COOP)

COOP planning is meant to ensure your organizations ability to operate and recover from a wide range of emergencies and disasters. There are five main objectives for a COOP plan:

1) Ensure effective and continuous performance of essential functions during and after emergency.
2) Protect facilities, equipment, records, and other assets that support essential functions.
3) Reduce disruptions to operations.
4) Minimize loss of life and injury to employees and plan for family support for those effected.
5) Prepare for resumption of normal operation and the continuation of as many essential functions as possible until normal operations can resume.

Resources

Continuity of Operations Planning Template - Template designed to kick start your organizations COOP planning by providing an easy to follow worksheet to start the task of gathering vital information and begin thinking about the steps in developing a COOP.

COOP Overview for Nonprofits PowerPoint - Powerpoint overview presented at Deloitte's 2007 Impact Day COOP planning event by the University of Maryland's Center for Health and Homeland Security. A good overview of what COOP planning should include and aim to accomplish.

Communications, Protection, Readiness- NPower's Guide to Business Continuity and Disaster Preparedness. An invaluable tool to assess your organization's preparedness against  best practices.

Council on Foundations' website provides a well developed section on the role of foundations during a time of crisis. One page is specifically targeted to recovery planning for grantmaking organizations.

Check out Miguel's blog on the importance of a COOP!

Employee Preparedness

An important aspect of preparing your organization is making sure that your employees are prepared. Your organization will only able to function if your employees are able to devote time and energy to performing its essential functions. In order for this to occur, however, they must fell secure with the well being of their families and themselves.

Resources

The American Red Cross of the National Capital Area: Offers a wide variety of training programs for citizens in the National Capital Area. Their Workplace Training program will even visit your organization and train your employees in essential preparedness skills.

What is your RQ?: Have your employees test their readiness level through a simple online readiness test.

Ready.gov - Comprehensive website on emergency preparedness sponsored by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. It aims to provide individuals with the tools to do three key things to prepare for the unexpected:
1)get an emergency supply kit
2)make a family emergency plan
3)get informed about the different types of emergencies that could occur and their appropriate responses.