The COOP ensures the continued performance of minimum essential functions during a wide range of potential emergencies. Emergencies are any unplanned event that can cause deaths or significant injuries to employees, customers or the public; or that can shut down an organization, disrupt operations, cause physical or environmental damage, or harm the organization’s public image. Emergencies may include: fire, hazmat incident, flooding, tornado, communications failure, radiological incident, civil disturbance, hurricane/tropical storm, explosion, “sick-building” syndrome, pandemic, epidemic, state of emergency, or terrorist event. As provided in this Plan, continuity will be accomplished through the development of plans, procedures and provisions for alternate facilities, personnel, resources, communications, and vital records/databases.