GOVERNOR

EXECUTIVE ORDER NUMBER 50 (2012)

Promulgation of the 2012 Commonwealth of Virginia Emergency Operations Plan

Importance of the Issue

By virtue of the authority vested in me by § 44-146.17 of the Code of Virginia as Governor and as Director of Emergency Management, I hereby promulgate and issue the Commonwealth of Virginia Emergency Operations Plan ("the Plan") dated August 2012, thereby superseding all previous versions of the Plan. The Plan provides a solid foundation for emergency planning and preparedness, establishes the organizational framework and operational concepts and procedures designed to minimize the loss of life and property, and expedites the restoration of essential services following an emergency or disaster.

The Plan is consistent with the Commonwealth of Virginia Emergency Services and Disaster Law of 2000 (Chapter 3.2, Title 44 of the Code of Virginia, as amended), the National Response Framework adopted January 2008, and the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (Public Law 93-288, as amended) with its implementing regulations.

The State Coordinator of Emergency Management, on behalf of the Governor, is hereby authorized to activate the Plan, as well as the Commonwealth of Virginia Emergency Operations Center ("Virginia EOC"), in order to direct and coordinate state government emergency operations.

Furthermore, the State Coordinator of Emergency Management is hereby authorized, in coordination with the Office of the Governor, to amend the Plan as necessary in order to achieve Preparedness Goals and Initiatives of the Nation and this Commonwealth and in accordance with the Commonwealth of Virginia Emergency Services and Disaster Law of 2000 (Chapter 3.2, Title 44 of the Code of Virginia, as amended).

Recognizing that the Plan adopted herein is in effect and supersedes previous versions of the Plan, Executive Order 41 (2011) is hereby amended to delete the section entitled, "Commonwealth of Virginia Emergency Operations Plan."

This Executive Order shall be effective upon its signing and shall remain in full force and effect until amended or rescinded by further executive order.

Given under my hand and under the Seal of the Commonwealth of Virginia this 20th day of August 2012.

/s/ Robert F. McDonnell
Governor