From Plan to Practice: Operationalizing and Validating Emergency Operations Plans
Emergency Operations Plans (EOPs) are the backbone of utility crisis response—but their true value lies in how well they are operationalized and validated. As emphasized in EMLC Guideline No. 8, an EOP must evolve from a static document into a dynamic, actionable framework that guides real-time decisions and fosters organizational resilience.
Utilities across North America agree that success in emergency management hinges on embedding the EOP into daily operations. This means:
- Assigning ownership across departments
- Training staff on their roles
- Conducting exercises that simulate real-world scenarios
- Using After-Action Reviews (AARs) to refine processes
The goal is simple yet powerful—ensure that when a crisis hits, the EOP isn’t just referenced, it’s instinctively executed. The Guideline outlines six core strategies utilities are using to validate their EOPs:
- Performance Metrics
- Cross Departmental Accountability
- Leadership Buy-In
- Alignment with Evolving Risks
- Third-Party Role Validation
- Integration with Business Continuity Plans (BCPs)
An EOP is only as strong as its execution. By operationalizing and validating these plans, utilities can ensure rapid, coordinated, and resilient responses when it matters most. The Emergency Management Leadership Council will continue to refine and share best practices to support this critical work.
Current members of the EMLC can read and download the full document here.
To learn more about the Emergency Management Leadership Council, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Tim Herrick.
You may also like these blog posts:
- Resilience in the Heat of Crisis: LADWP’s Lessons from the Pacific Palisades Fire
- Your Emergency Plan Isn’t Ready Until It’s Tested
- LUMA Energy Wins Gold for Emergency Management Excellence: A Transformative Journey Toward Resilience
Utility Resilience Research – CURI:
- Advancing Emergency Management and Resilience at Duquesne Light Company
- The Life of the Storm Playbook: Alabama Power’s Blueprint for Crisis Communication
- Strengthening Emergency Response Through Community Collaboration
