Planning

The Planning Section is responsible for the State Emergency Operations Plan, Continuity of Operations Plans, operational plans, and assisting other state agencies in their planning efforts.  The Planning Section includes multiple state agencies in the planning process to ensure the most efficient and effective state response to any situation.  The planning section also supports the State Emergency Operations Center. 

Currently the planning section is coordinating with the Department of Health to prepare the Strategic National Stockpile Plan and Pandemic Influenza Plan and the Animal Industry Board to prepare a comprehensive Animal Emergency Response Plan.

What is the South Dakota Emergency Operations Plan?

The primary purpose of the South Dakota State Emergency Operations Plan is to assist state government agencies in responding to an emergency/disaster when it exceeds local government’s capability to respond.  Emergency/disaster conditions may require state agency personnel to perform their normal scope of work under unusual circumstances.  Normal functions that do not contribute to the emergency operation may be suspended or redirected for the duration of the emergency.  It is the responsibility of each state agency to respond in a manner consistent with its capabilities as identified and agreed to in this plan. 

The South Dakota State Emergency Operations Plan establishes policy for state government agencies in their response to the threat of natural, technological, or national security emergency/disaster situations.  It documents the policies, concept of operations, organizational structures and specific responsibilities of state agencies in their response to provide for the safety and welfare of its citizens.  It addresses the need for preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation activities to enhance the State’s overall capability to cope with potential hazards.