In times of crisis, preparedness goes beyond immediate emergency response—it’s about ensuring schools can uphold their mission of education and safety, even in the face of the unexpected. A Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) is essential for achieving this resilience. During a recent webinar, safety management expert Joe Hendry highlighted how effective COOPs enable schools to recover swiftly while sustaining critical operations. Let’s explore how these plans strengthen school preparedness and recovery.
What Is a Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP)?
A Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) is a strategic framework designed to ensure that essential functions can continue during and after emergencies. While an Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) focuses on immediate response actions like evacuation or lockdowns, a COOP addresses long-term recovery and the continuity of mission-essential functions.
For example:
- COOP: Ensuring education continues after a flood damages school buildings by utilizing temporary facilities or virtual learning.
- EOP: Evacuation protocols to safely remove students and staff during the flood.
By prioritizing mission-essential functions, such as maintaining access to student records or providing meal services, COOPs enable schools to rebuild and recover without compromising their core objectives.
Why Schools Need a Continuity of Operations Plan
Schools face numerous risks without a COOP, including disrupted learning, prolonged closures, and financial strain. These challenges can have lasting impacts on students, staff, and the broader community.
Joe Hendry highlights common oversights in COOP planning:
- Failing to identify mission-essential functions that must be sustained.
- Neglecting stakeholder training, leaving staff unprepared to execute the plan.
- Overlooking the importance of clear communication strategies with parents, staff, and emergency responders.
To create an effective COOP, schools must address these gaps with a proactive, comprehensive approach. This includes identifying critical operations, engaging key stakeholders, and conducting regular training.
Real-World Examples of COOP Success
A compelling example of a COOP in action is West Liberty-Salem High School. Following a school shooting, their pre-established planning protocols supported recovery efforts, allowing the school to resume operations swiftly.
Other examples include schools that successfully transitioned to virtual learning after natural disasters, demonstrating the importance of having plans that address continuity beyond physical safety. These cases illustrate that well-crafted COOPs minimize disruption, promote resilience, and ensure schools remain operational during crises.
Steps to Create or Enhance a School COOP
Developing a COOP doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start with these actionable steps:
- Identify Mission-Essential Functions: Determine which operations must continue during and after a crisis.
- Assemble a Planning Team: Include administrators, teachers, and other key stakeholders.
- Develop Communication Strategies: Ensure seamless communication with parents, staff, and emergency responders.
- Conduct Regular Training and Drills: Test the plan through scenarios to build confidence and preparedness.
For a comprehensive approach, tools like Navigate360 Emergency Management streamline planning, training, and communication, helping schools create robust COOPs tailored to their needs.
Continuity Planning as a Foundation for School Resilience
A strong COOP is more than a document—it’s a commitment to the safety and success of students and staff. By investing in continuity of operations planning, schools can navigate crises with confidence and recover swiftly.
From planning and communication to recovery and resilience, Navigate360 provides the holistic support schools need to protect their communities and ensure uninterrupted operations. To learn more about a truly holistic approach to school safety, read more about Emergency Management and our Protect360 bundle here.
