Continuity, Recovery and Resilience Planning

For the state of Indiana, "continuity" encompasses the policies and efforts to maintain capabilities before, during and after catastrophic emergencies that cause disruption to social, economic, environmental, physical infrastructure or government functions.

Pursuant to the Presidential Policy Directive–40 (PPD–40), in accordance with the Federal Continuity Directive 1 (FCD 1) and Indiana Executive Order 17-02, IDHS establishes, administers, implements and maintains a comprehensive set of effective continuity plans through the following three programs to ensure the preservation of government structure and functionality under all kinds of adversities.

Continuity planning is an important element of preparedness and an integral part of the National Preparedness System. No level of government can perform essential functions and provide critical services without the support of the rest of the community, so private sector entities, critical infrastructure, organizations, communities, families and individuals all play vital roles. Enduring constitutional government, continuity of government and continuity of operations are dependent upon their joint foundation of preparedness.

Continuity of Government (COG)

"Continuity of Government," or "COG," pertains to a coordinated interagency effort between the three branches of government (executive, legislative and judicial) and makes sure that governance and essential functions continue to be performed before, during and after a catastrophic emergency. The COG Plan is a well-thought-out, strategic document that exhibits ways to preserve essential functions, deliver critical services and maintain the statutory authority of Indiana's government branches.

Continuity of Operations (COOP)

"Continuity of Operations," or "COOP," pertains to an operational policy plan that allows an agency to perform its essential functions, provide essential services and deliver core capabilities before, during and after a disruption to routine operations caused by hazardous events. Hazardous events can be localized acts of nature, accidents, technological incidents or adversarial acts, so identification, development and implementation of essential functions requires an all-hazards approach. State departments and agencies, local and tribal governments, non-governmental organizations and private-sector entities are encouraged to adopt continuity doctrine and maintain functional COOP programs of their own.

Enduring Constitutional Government (ECG)

"Enduring Constitutional Government," or "ECG," is both a process and the outcome of the coordinated efforts between Indiana's executive, legislative and judicial branches to execute constitutional responsibilities, provide for orderly succession and appropriate transition of leadership, and support essential functions during an emergency.