Emergency Management Enhances Resilience Through COOP Practice

Staff Report / Scottsdalelocal.org

The Maricopa County Department of Emergency Management collaborated with the City of Scottsdale to practice their Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP). The COOP is designed to ensure that essential functions continue during and after various disruptions, such as natural disasters, cyberattacks, or other unexpected events.

Key elements of the COOP include:

- **Essential Functions:** Identifying critical operations that must continue under all circumstances.

- **Delegation of Authority:** Establishing decision-making protocols in the absence of key leaders.

- **Alternate Facilities:** Setting up backup locations for operations if the primary site is unusable.

- **Communication Plans:** Keeping staff, stakeholders, and the public informed during emergencies.

- **Reconstitution:** Outlining the process to return to normal operations after an emergency has passed.

The recent exercise tested the backup plans, allowing both agencies to quickly relocate to a different facility to maintain their ability to respond to residents and visitors across Maricopa County.

The partnership between Maricopa County and the City of Scottsdale is crucial for coordinated responses to emergencies, including wildfires, floods, and other hazards that may impact the region.



Source: Scottsdale Fire Department

Source Type: Fire

Source Location: Scottsdale

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