This chapter provides guidance and a framework for maintaining a viable continuity capability and maturing a continuity program and plan.
Testing, Training and Exercising
- The FEMA Continuity Excellence Series is dedicated to enhancing excellence in the development and implementation of continuity programs for emergency management. There are two levels: Professional Continuity Practitioner (Level 1) and Master Continuity Practitioner (Level 2).
- The Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP) provides guiding principles for exercise programs and a common approach to exercise program management.
- FEMA hosts multiple online and classroom courses for planning and conducting exercises, including IS-120.a An Introduction to Exercises, IS-130 Exercise Evaluation and Improvement Planning, L 146 HSEEP Basic Course and the Master Exercise Practitioner Program (MEPP).
- The Telework Exercise Template supports exercises for operating in a telework or socially distanced environment. The Telework Player Handbook Template is an example exercise player handbook.
- The one-hour IS-520 Introduction to Continuity of Operations Planning for Pandemic Influenza online course introduces students to the characteristics of a pandemic influenza, the effects it can have on every facet of society and the steps organizations can take to minimize the effects of a pandemic.
- The Continuity Evaluation Tool assesses federal continuity plans, programs, and procedures; refines the assessment process, improves the level of program documentation and documents elements of continuity as required in Federal Continuity Directives 1 and 2. To obtain an electronic copy, send a request to FEMA-NationalContinuity@fema.dhs.gov.
- The Continuity Assessment Tool helps non-federal entities identify continuity program strengths and areas for improvement.
- The Multi-Year Strategic Plan Template outlines a strategy and program management plan that can be used to sustain and improve an organization's continuity capability over a five year period.
- Sample Table Top Exercise (TTX) uses an active shooter scenario to address continuity-related discussion topics, including Devolution and Reconstitution.
Continue on to the Appendix: Terms, Authorities and References.
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