What does the NRF suggest for ensuring continuity of operations during crises?

The National Response Framework emphasizes the importance of maintaining essential functions during crises through effective planning. Establishing plans for minimal disruption to essential functions ensures that critical services and operations can continue even in the face of challenges such as natural disasters, public health emergencies, or other incidents that might disrupt normal operations. This approach is integral to resilience, as it allows organizations to respond effectively while minimizing the impact of disruptions on services provided to the community.

This principle underlines the necessity of preemptive measures that identify essential functions and outline strategies to maintain them, which might include delegating responsibilities, alternative workflows, or resource allocation. By prioritizing continuity in essential functions, organizations can provide stability and support for both their staff and the community they serve during crises.

While creating backup systems, implementing technology, or requiring updates may contribute to overall operational resilience, they are more tactical tools rather than the overarching strategic concept of ensuring continuity of operations during a crisis. The focus on minimal disruption is a fundamental tenet of crisis management embodied in the NRF.