The Mineta Transportation Institute (MTI) published a Handbook of Emergency Management for State-Level Transportation Agencies, which addresses plans and systems mandated by the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that may be applied to transportation agencies' disaster response systems to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

Specific guidance and management techniques are provided to aid emergency planning staff to create DHS-compliant systems.

State transportation agencies are required to have plans for continuity of government (COG) functions during any catastrophic disaster, as well as for continuity of operations (COOP) — continuing the essential services that they provide to citizens, government, other state agencies and federal partners during response, recovery and mitigation phases of emergency management. These augment a state's Emergency Operations Plan (EOP), which addresses "normal" emergencies.

The handbook emphasizes that open, clear and safe roadways are essential so first responders and other emergency teams can reach their destinations. Sample chapters include "The Role of the Emergency Services Manager in a State Transportation Agency," "The Role of the Department of Transportation Headquarters EOC" and "The Hierarchy of Emergency Plans."

To download the free handbook, click "Research" and then "Publications" here.