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Templates, Job Aids, Guides and Plans

This section provides tools and resources to assist local units of government in preparing for and responding to disasters. Topics are listed alphabetically. Additional resources will be added to this page periodically, so you are encouraged to check back​.

Catastrophic Earthquake Annex

The Earthquake Annex outlines operational command, coordination, communication, and control for counties and responsible agencies/organizations following a catastrophic earthquake. It is used in conjunction with a jurisdiction's Emergency Operations Plan.

Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP)

Having a COOP ensures continuity of essential department or agency functions/services in spite of an emergency or disaster. The COOP is implemented when a building or facility is rendered inoperable for a period greater than 30 days, during which time services to public and private stakeholders must be continued. If you need technical assistance with your COOP, please contact the Inter-Agency Strategic Planning Cell at ema.planning@illinois.gov.

Debris Management Planning

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) encourage local governments to take a proactive approach to coordinating and managing debris removal operations as part of their overall emergency management plan. Communities with a debris management plan are better prepared to restore public services and ensure the public health and safety in the aftermath of a disaster. Lessons learned have shown they are also better positioned to receive the full level of assistance available to them from FEMA and other participating entities. The core components of a comprehensive debris management plan incorporate best practices in debris removal, reflect FEMA eligibility criteria, and are tailored to the specific needs and unique circumstances of each community preparing a plan.​

Documents

Approved Plans

Food and Water Distribution Plan

This document provides operational guidance and serves as a concept of operations for jurisdictions undertaking missions for the distribution of food and water to the public following a disaster where public facilities for potable water and/or food preparation and supply are inoperable or incapable of meeting the public's essential needs.

IEMA All Hazard Incident Management Team Credentialing Guide

This document provides policy, guidance, and necessary to qualify and credential Incident Management Assistance Teams (IMAT), Incident Management Teams (IMT), and Emergency Managers within the state of Illinois.

Resource Management

Resource management is the cornerstone of effective response and recovery. A comprehensive resource management system provides jurisdictions with a pre-identified structure for assigning resources and carrying out critical missions that support life safety and life essential services. These documents allow a jurisdiction to tailor a comprehensive resource management system based on capabilities, limitations, and purpose. It is recommended that the resource management tools be used in conjunction with IEMA's Joint Operational Planning course.

Standard Guide for Fatality Management in Illinois

Taking an all hazards approach, this document offers guidance on developing a fatality management annex that can be tailored to any fatality management incident. It is recommended that state and local government organizations use this guide as a standard when developing mortuary services and/or fatality management annexes to ensure statewide interoperability.

Strategic Operations of Emergency Management (IMS 500) Course Materials

Strategic Operations of Emergency Management provides executive and senior level local emergency management staff with practices designed to outline efficiencies and priorities prior to, during, and after disaster strikes. Strategic Operations of Emergency Management explores and expands on interlocking strategies for emergency operations centers and incident command structures; development and implementation of straight-line information pathways; lateral and vertical coupling of critical sectors and emergency response roles; analysis of critical and priority information requirements; determination of centers of gravity for objectives driven task assignment; execution of strategic priorities against defined resourcing elements; and the incorporation of deliberate decision and/or trigger points for strategic emergency management. Questions regarding IMS-500 should be directed to Mr. Darryl Dragoo at 217.306.6334 or Darryl.dragoo@illinois.gov.

Strategic Reference Cards

Strategic Reference Cards (Hazard Specific and/or Functional) are aids developed for emergency management personnel and initial emergency responders to assist and guide in development of a response strategy for a wide range of threats and critical incidents. The cards identify critical information necessary to establish prioritized goals and objectives, resource guidelines, safety and warning considerations, potential response requirements, and specific technical information unique to the hazard or response. Information contained on the cards is scalable and can be tailored to assist with planning and response. Strategic Reference Cards will not replace real-time incident information and intelligence; however, they will provide a sound foundation for emergency management before, during and after an event.