What is a Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP)?

A Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) is fundamentally a strategy designed to ensure that essential functions and services of an organization can continue during and after an emergency or disaster event. It focuses on the sustainability and resilience of operations, minimizing disruption and maintaining critical responsibilities even when faced with challenges such as natural disasters, pandemics, or other crises.

This type of plan articulates the procedures and protocols that organizations must follow to ensure that vital functions are preserved, including identifying essential personnel, establishing alternative communication methods, and outlining procedures for relocating operations if necessary. The goal of a COOP is to prepare for adverse events in a proactive manner, ensuring that an organization can quickly recover and continue to serve its stakeholders and the public effectively.

The other options provided do not capture the primary purpose of a COOP. While rescue operations might be a component of a broader emergency response plan, they do not address the continuity of operations specifically. Risk assessment is crucial for understanding the hazards an organization might face, but it is distinct from the planning aspect that COOP emphasizes. Lastly, while emergency funding is an important aspect of preparedness and response, it is a financial strategy rather than an operational continuity plan.