The Difference Between Emergency Operations Plans (EOPs) and Continuity of Operations Plans (COOPs)

Why Both Plans Matter

When a crisis strikes, organizations need two things: an immediate response strategy and a long-term continuity plan. That’s where Emergency Operations Plans (EOPs) and Continuity of Operations Plans (COOPs) come in. Though often confused, they serve different — and equally critical — purposes.

What is an Emergency Operations Plan (EOP)?

An Emergency Operations Plan is designed to guide an organization during an immediate emergency. FEMA defines it as a plan that outlines roles, responsibilities, and procedures for responding to incidents such as:

• Natural disasters (hurricanes, floods, wildfires)

• Human-caused events (active shooter, terrorism, cyberattacks)

• Health emergencies (pandemics, disease outbreaks)

Key Elements of an EOP:

• Incident Command System (ICS) integration

• Communication protocols

• Evacuation and shelter-in-place procedures

• Resource allocation and logistics

📌 Example: A university’s hurricane EOP would outline how to evacuate students, protect assets, and communicate with parents.

What is an Emergency Operations Plan (EOP)

What is a Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP)?

A Continuity of Operations Plan ensures essential functions continue during and after a disruption. Unlike an EOP, which focuses on response, a COOP ensures resilience and recovery.

Key Elements of a COOP:

• Identification of essential functions

• Delegations of authority

• Alternate facilities and telework strategies

• Plans for restoring IT and communications systems

📌 Example: After a hurricane, a university’s COOP would ensure online learning systems remain operational even if campus facilities are damaged.

EOP vs COOP: Key Differences

Factor	EOP	COOP
Focus	Immediate response	Continuity of essential functions
Timeframe	During and right after crisis	During crisis and long-term recovery
Users	First responders, crisis teams	Administrators, leadership
Goal	Protect life and safety	Maintain operations and mission

Both plans complement each other — one saves lives in the moment, the other ensures survival in the days, weeks, and months after.

Why Organizations Need Both

• Schools & Universities: An EOP protects students during an incident; a COOP ensures classes and services continue afterward.

• Corporations: EOPs safeguard employees, while COOPs keep revenue streams active.

• Government Agencies: FEMA requires both for compliance and operational readiness.

How CrisisWire Builds Resilience

At CrisisWire Threat Management Solutions, we design FEMA-aligned EOPs and COOPs that give organizations confidence in both crisis response and long-term continuity.

Our consultants deliver:

• Plan development and compliance reviews

• Tabletop exercises and drills

• Integration with Geospatial Risk Mapping

• After-Action Reports (AARs) for continuous improvement

Final Word

An Emergency Operations Plan answers: “How do we respond right now?” A Continuity of Operations Plan answers: “How do we keep going tomorrow?”

With CrisisWire, you don’t have to choose. We help organizations build both EOPs and COOPs to ensure safety, resilience, and mission success.