Even amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, state, local, and tribal governments nationwide are continuing to push forward with their preparedness planning initiatives. Take Maryland’s Prince George’s County and its Office of Emergency Management (OEM), for example. On August 31st and September 1st, the OEM, in partnership with Tennessee-based BOLDplanning, hosted two days of online seminars centered around the principles of Continuity of Operations (COOP) planning.
Leading the remote seminars was BOLDplanning’s Manager of Global Solutions, James Woulfe, PCP, CBCP. As anticipated, James delivered valuable instruction that covered continuity concepts and best practices for program management and plan development. He also explained the specific roles and responsibilities of COOP stakeholders, including county executives, department heads, primary planners, and others, in the event of a disruption.
Attendees, representing a broad spectrum of county departments, shared their COOP experiences during the coronavirus pandemic and previous situations impacting Prince George’s County. The information proved highly meaningful for colleagues new to preparedness, response, and recovery planning, as well as seasoned others.
Prince George’s County OEM, led by Director Ronald Gill, Jr., coordinates the County’s response to natural and man-made disasters and serves as its liaison with local, state, and federal officials in all aspects of emergency management. The County is located in the heart of the Baltimore/Washington corridor and encompasses nearly 500 square miles. In July 2019, the U.S. Census Bureau estimated its population to be 909,327, up by well over 45,000 people as documented in 2010.
On behalf of everyone at BOLDplanning, thank you for allowing the company to remotely assist with the continuation of Prince George’s County’s preparedness planning efforts during this unprecedented time. It was an absolute pleasure, and we hope to see you all again (in person) in the not-so-distant future. Keep up the great work!
