Philosophy of Operations

Preparedness activities, programs, and systems are those that exist prior to an emergency incident and are used to support and enhance response to an emergency incident. Planning, training, exercising, and communications are among the activities conducted under this phase.

Response means activities and programs designed to address the immediate and short-term effects of the onset of an emergency incident. Response operations are designed to reduce casualties and damage and to speed recovery back to normal business and academic operations. Response activities include direction and control, warning, evacuation, other similar operations and appropriate communications.

Recovery is the phase that involves restoring systems to normal status. Short-term recovery actions are undertaken to assess damage and return vital systems to minimum operating standards; long-term recovery actions may continue indefinitely, but are intended to restore facilities and systems to full capacity.