Emergency Management Resource Guide
Understanding Emergency Management
Emergency management involves much more than responding when something goes wrong. It is the process of identifying risk, developing plans, strengthening capabilities, training people, and building the systems needed to protect life, property, and continuity of operations.
The terminology can be complex. This guide explains common emergency management terms and how Doberman Emergency Management applies them across schools and universities, communities, venues, critical facilities, and other organizations.
Planning & Preparedness
Emergency Operations Plan (EOP)
An Emergency Operations Plan establishes how an organization will respond to emergencies and coordinate people, resources, and decisions. Doberman develops, reviews, and updates EOPs using stakeholder input, risk data, site-specific conditions, and training to ensure plans work beyond the page.
Emergency Action Plan (EAP)
An Emergency Action Plan outlines immediate actions people should take during a specific emergency or operational situation. Doberman helps organizations develop practical procedures that clarify responsibilities, communications, evacuation, sheltering, and response actions.
Occupant Emergency Plan (OEP)
An Occupant Emergency Plan organizes how people within a facility or campus will respond to an emergency. Doberman adapts OEP principles to the needs of schools, universities, facilities, and other complex environments, including leadership roles, response organizations, and site-specific procedures.
Incident Action Plan (IAP)
An Incident Action Plan provides a structured approach for managing a specific incident or operational period. Doberman uses IAP principles to help leadership and response teams establish objectives, assignments, resources, communications, and operational priorities.
Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP)
A Continuity of Operations Plan identifies how an organization will continue its most important functions during and after a disruption. Doberman helps organizations identify critical operations, dependencies, personnel, facilities, technology, and recovery priorities.
Emergency Management Program
An emergency management program brings together the plans, people, training, resources, policies, and processes an organization needs to manage risk and respond to emergencies. Doberman can help organizations establish a program from the ground up or strengthen an existing one.
All-Hazards Approach
An all-hazards approach considers the broad range of natural, human-caused, and technological hazards that could affect an organization. Doberman uses data and site-specific analysis to determine which hazards actually matter most to each client rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach.
Risk & Vulnerability Assessments
Hazard Vulnerability Assessment (HVA)
A Hazard Vulnerability Assessment identifies and evaluates hazards that could affect an organization, community, campus, or facility. Doberman combines hazard data with potential impacts to life, property, and continuity of operations to help clients prioritize mitigation and planning resources.
Risk Assessment
A risk assessment examines threats, vulnerabilities, likelihood, consequences, and existing protective measures to understand where an organization is most exposed. Doberman uses research, field experience, data, and site-specific information to develop actionable recommendations.
Threat & Vulnerability Assessment
Threat and vulnerability assessments examine what could threaten an organization and where existing systems, processes, or infrastructure may be vulnerable. Doberman evaluates both the physical environment and operational practices to identify opportunities to reduce risk.
Physical Security Assessment
A physical security assessment evaluates the physical features, technology, procedures, and practices that protect people and property. Doberman conducts site assessments that can include access control, surveillance, emergency communications, site conditions, and geospatial data collection.
Business Impact Analysis (BIA)
A Business Impact Analysis identifies the consequences of losing critical functions, systems, resources, or facilities. Doberman uses BIA findings to help organizations prioritize continuity strategies and determine what must be protected or restored first.
Response & Coordination
Incident Command System (ICS)
The Incident Command System provides a standardized structure for managing incidents and coordinating personnel and resources. Doberman incorporates ICS principles into planning, training, and exercises so organizations can integrate effectively with emergency responders and other agencies.
National Incident Management System (NIMS)
NIMS provides a common framework for governments, organizations, and response agencies to work together during emergencies. Doberman helps clients integrate NIMS principles into emergency plans, training, exercises, and interagency coordination.
Emergency Operations Center (EOC)
An Emergency Operations Center is a designated location or capability where leadership and support personnel coordinate information, resources, and decisions during an incident. Doberman supports EOC design, organization, procedures, and management based on the operational needs of each organization.
Crisis Response Organization
A crisis response organization establishes who is responsible for making decisions and carrying out critical functions during an emergency. Doberman helps clients identify key stakeholders, establish roles and authorities, and build an organization that can function under pressure.
Interagency Coordination
Interagency coordination brings multiple organizations together before and during an emergency to establish communication, responsibilities, resources, and response procedures. Doberman works with public safety agencies, emergency managers, organizational leadership, and other partners to strengthen coordination before an incident occurs.
Mutual Aid
Mutual aid agreements establish how organizations or agencies can share personnel, equipment, resources, and assistance during emergencies. Doberman helps communities and organizations identify coordination needs and incorporate mutual aid into their emergency planning.