Continuity of Operations Program

Project Overview

Wake County Emergency Management (WCEM) in Raleigh, North Carolina, developed a new Continuity of Operations Program (COOP) but had not yet introduced or reviewed it with department-level directors and management staff. The COOP was essential for maintaining essential services during emergencies and ensuring continuity in the face of disasters.

Understanding the Mission

To ensure the successful implementation of the COOP, WCEM needed to familiarize staff with the new program and provide focused training. This preparation was essential for an upcoming tabletop exercise (TTX) scheduled just a few weeks away. The goal was to ensure that WCEM’s staff fully understood their roles in executing the COOP, ensuring operational continuity during a crisis, and improving overall disaster response capabilities.

The Hagerty Approach

Hagerty designed and delivered three specialized COOP training sessions tailored to WCEM’s needs, focusing on program comprehension and application. Our team worked closely with WCEM’s department-level directors and key staff to ensure they were well-prepared for the TTX. Additionally, Hagerty developed an executive-level TTX centered around a realistic hurricane scenario. This exercise featured two critical modules: one focused on protective actions and decision-making during a disaster, and the other on the reconstitution of services and recovery efforts following the event.

Achieving Results

The COOP training sessions and tabletop exercise proved to be highly successful, with approximately 25 department-level directors and key staff actively participating. The event strengthened WCEM’s disaster preparedness, enhanced its response strategies, and improved overall readiness for future emergencies.