The DHSEM Continuity Program is an effort within individual state departments and agencies to ensure that their mission essential functions continue to be performed during a wide range of emergencies, including localized weather related events (tornadoes, floods, blizzards), long term power outages, law enforcement activities, acts of terrorism, etc.
The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DSHEM) is authorized by the provisions of 24-33.5-1609, C.R.S., to adopt rules and regulations for the continuity of state government operations to provide guidance to state departments and agencies in developing viable and executable contingency plans for continuity of operations. These rules and regulations provide for the creation and adoption of the planning guidance necessary for state departments and agencies to use in developing viable and executable plans.
Typical continuity plans include items such as:
- essential functions
- essential support activities
- lines of succession
- delegations of authority
- identification of alternate facilities or work locations
- communication procedures to stakeholders and staff
- essential records and IT networks
- procedures for testing and exercising the plan
Continuity Plan Resources
Continuity related training courses are available on the FEMA website. These include:
- IS-156 Building Design for Homeland Security for Continuity of Operations
- IS – 520 Introduction to Continuity of Operations Planning for Pandemic Influenzas
- IS – 545.a Reconstitution Planning Course
- IS-1300.a Introduction to Continuity of Operations
Points of Contact
Michael Bouwman, Continuity Program Manager
Morgan Haskett, Continuity Program Coordinator