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To: Local Emergency Management Directors, Regional Planning Commissions, Local Officials

From: Vermont Emergency Management

Date: March 1, 2009

Re: New Basic Emergency Operations Plan Format and Features
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There is a new look to the old Rapid Response Plan. A review of the purpose and format of the old Rapid Response Plan was conducted by a team composed of local emergency management directors from throughout the State and members of the Vermont Emergency Management staff. The result is a redefined plan that serves multiple purposes.

The new plan can now be used as a true on-scene response guide; as a planning and notification tool for local emergencies and disasters; and as a reference guide for Vermont Emergency Management. Because the new document is now multi-use and more comprehensive, it has essentially evolved into a "Basic EOP" which provides a NIMS compliant tool for local municipalities that use it.

These are the features of the Basic EOP. The front page allows VEM a quick snapshot of who your priority contacts are in an emergency situation. At the beginning of the document, there are "emergency steps" which can be used as a reminder for responders. As an on-scene response guide, there is an area on the left side of the document to allow responders to check off procedures (reminders) and document times that correspond to the emergency steps highlighted in RED. This is a log form to record incident events.

There are also five planning tasks highlighted in GREEN which provide guidelines for the collection of information during the preparedness and mitigation phases prior to an incident response. This will provide needed information on vulnerable areas, high risk populations, responsibilities, evacuation routes and shelter facilities in your municipality. Another feature is the addition of the Local Jurisdiction Request for Emergency Declaration form which is attached to the EOP. It can be filled out when needed, detached and faxed into VEM. An additional form at the end of the EOP provides for a more comprehensive list of contacts and specialty resources.

The Review Team is very proud of the Basic EOP and we hope you find it both helpful in incident management and easy to use.

Please call Bob Weinert at Vermont Emergency Management 1-800-347-0488 if you have any questions and comments.

Download the new Basic Emergency Operations Plan (1.4 mb)