

What are your key organizational functions, and what is their order of priority? What potential threats (natural, health, staff, infrastructure, etc.) to your organization’s operations exist, and what is their order of priority based on probability or severity? Use the following COOP key areas to help start your planning and ensure your organization can weather any crisis. When emergencies or disruptions happen, how will your nonprofit continue to provide key services? Start your plan

Primary and Alternate Facilities – Locations where an organization operates and identifies locations to move as required.Orders of Succession – Designating primary positions within an organization and the individuals who possess the skills and experience to assume their responsibilities.COOP Contacts and Teams – People and groups responsible for planning, relocation, support, and other continuity functions.Marcia recommends the following major sections. A COOP plan should clearly define the steps an organization will take during times of disruption to ensure they can continue their operations.ĬOOP plans usually concentrate on three main areas:.By preparing for the unforeseen, your organization can reduce the impact of the unexpected and ensure less interruption to service delivery. Now is the time to reflect, document, and make changes in your processes. Continuity of Operations Planning (COOP) is an important part of any organization's risk management efforts.“COOP” is the abbreviated term for Continuity of Operations Planning.Here are Marcia’s tips for having a plan in place and what should be included. Marcia is a former Bureau Chief for Recovery and Mitigation with the Florida Division of Emergency Management and former Program Manager for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). To help nonprofits prepare for a disaster including the importance of having a current continuity of operations plan, here’s a look back at a guest column from Marcia Warfel, Senior Consultant with Disaster, Strategies, and Ideas, Inc.

In times of crisis, it is vital for nonprofits to be able to provide and maintain critical community services. The 2022 hurricane season has begun, and nonprofits play a critical role in helping people prepare for and respond to a hurricane and other disasters.
