Standard #1: Essential functions/services are identified
The agency has thoroughly assessed their services, client/community needs and internal capabilities.
The agency has developed a disaster mission statement that identifies the critical services they would provide or the role they would play in an emergency or disaster.
The mission is formally adopted by the organization's governing body.
Standard #2: The agency has a plan for how it will operate during a disaster, and if the agency is unable to operate have a backup plan for how critical services will be addressed
The agency has determined which services will be provided in a disaster and which ones will be discontinued.
If the agency is not able to operate, have a plan for how it will close down.
The agency has a process to notify clients if they will not be served at/by the agency.
The safety and care of clients and visitors who are at the agency at the time of a disaster are addressed.
There is a notification process to communicate changes in services to key partners and disaster responders
Standard #3: Multiple communication tools are identified and established in order to contact internal and external stakeholders
The agency has emergency, after-hours contact information for all staff.
Primary and alternate procedures for communicating with critical staff and key partners are in place.
Standard #4: Staff are personally prepared to fulfill their role in a disaster
Staff are identified who are willing, able and prepared to respond to a disaster.
Standard #5: Staff and key stakeholders have been trained on the agency's emergency plan
Staff are trained on the agency emergency plan and new staff are trained as part of their orientation.
The agency emergency plan is accessible to all staff.
The agency emergency procedures are regularly exercised and tested.
Standard #6: Staff are prepared to be self-sufficient in the work place for a minimum of three days
Staff are familiar with shelter-in-place and lock-down procedures.
Food, water and sanitation supplies are easily accessible.
All staff know where emergency supplies are located.
Standard #7: Vital information is backed-up and accessible
Critical documents, contact information for key employees and the agency emergency plan are included in the agency Go-Kit.
Key staff have a copy of the Agency Go-Kit. At least one copy is stored in an off-site location.
Critical client and billing data, if applicable, is backed up in a secure, off-site location, preferably out of state.
Standard #8: Emergency payment procedures and line of credit are established and maintained
Backup plans enable key financial procedures and payroll processing to continue.
Emergency contact information is identified for key vendors and suppliers.
Resources are prioritized for procurement.
Procedures are in place to track disaster/emergency expenditures.