Continuity of Operations Plan
Governor's Executive Order 2022-04 mandates that all ldaho State agencies maintain a Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP).
C. Develop and maintain a Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) to (a) address how the agency will continue to perform essential functions in the event of compromised facilities or leadership, and (b) return the agency to normal operations after the conclusion of the compromising event.
The IDL COOP was reviewed and updated December 2022 and the plan is available on the IDL intranet policies location and the Safety Program site. If you have a COOP binder in your location, print the current plan and replace it in your binder.
What is the COOP?
- The COOP outlines how IDL will continue to provide essential business functions should one or more offices be lost or made uninhabitable due to natural or person-caused events for periods of up to 30 days, and beyond. The COOP details authorities, succession, essential functions, procedures, and persons responsible to review, organize, and implement the plan.
- The COOP establishes procedures and guidance to ensure the execution of the essential functions for the Department of Lands in the event an emergency at the agency or in its service area threatens or incapacitates operations, and/or requires the relocation of selected personnel and functions.
- The COOP is applicable to all Department of Lands divisions, bureaus, areas and personnel.
As an IDL employee, you could be affected by an event requiring the activation of the COOP, and as such, should be familiar with the document.
Is that black ice?
It's often difficult to determine if the road is just wet or if it is black ice.
While black ice is transparent, it can sometimes be seen in the right lighting conditions - if you are looking for it. Black ice almost always forms in very smooth, very glossy sheets. This glossy surface is your indication of potential black ice.
Five safety tips for driving on black ice:
- Keep at least a five-second following distance from the vehicle in front of you because it takes twice as long to stop on black ice.
- Never hit the brakes on ice to avoid skidding. Instead, hold your steering wheel steady.
- Be vigilant in the early morning, when air temperature rises faster than the pavement temperature.
- Take caution when driving on bridges and overpasses as well as through tunnels.
- Don't overcorrect your steering if you feel your car sliding.
Below is a link to AccuWeather with more information about spotting, and driving on, black ice.
Boise Staff Office conducts evacuation drill
On February 7th, the Boise Staff Office conducted a drill, the first in years! Safety Coordinator, Tammy Armstrong, scheduled and coordinated the event. Section Coordinators assisted to ensure the floors were cleared and employees accounted for.
This drill was complex requiring the coordination of many, including all employees that were required to evacuate. The building has fire alarms so it's necessary to coordinate with emergency services so that they don't respond. The alarm company is also a component as they activated the alarms. With the Capitol right next door, it was necessary to communicate with Capitol Security.
Following the drill, Tammy and her team conducted an After Action Review and completed a comprehensive After Action Report identifying successes and areas of needed improvement.
The IDL Emergency Response Policy sets the standard for all offices to conduct at least annual drills using a variety of scenarios. The Safety Committee has identified drills as a priority project and each committee member is assigned two offices to contact and assist with conducting drills. They are available to support and assist in any way needed.
Kudos to Tammy and her team for keeping employee safety a priority!
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