Clark County EOP Basic Plan 2. Situation and Assumptions  Public and private utilities and infrastructure that are vital to maintaining or restoring normal services to areas damaged by hazard events.  Communications and cyber systems, assets, and networks, such as secure County servers and fiber optic communications lines. 2.2 Assumptions This EOP is based on the following assumptions and limitations:  Essential County services will be maintained as long as conditions permit.  An emergency will require prompt and effective response and recovery operations by County emergency services, disaster relief, volunteer organizations, and the private sector.  All key emergency response staff are trained and experienced in operating under the NIMS/ICS protocol.  Each responding County agency will utilize existing directives and procedures in responding to major emergencies and disasters.  Environmental, technological, and civil emergencies may be of a magnitude and severity that require State and federal assistance.  Considering shortages of time, space, equipment, supplies, and personnel during a catastrophic disaster, self-sufficiency will be necessary for the first hours or days following the event.  Local emergency planning efforts focus on accommodating residents while preparing for changes in population trends throughout the year. However, significant increases to the local population may introduce challenges in meeting the needs of nonresidents and other travelers during an emergency or disaster.  All or part of the County may be affected by environmental and technological emergencies.  A terrorist-related incident or attack may occur without warning. If such an attack occurs, the County could be subject to radioactive fallout or other hazards related to weapons of mass destruction. In accordance with national nuclear civil protection policy, two options have been developed to counteract such a threat: population protection and shelter-in-place programs.  Outside assistance will be available in most major emergency/disaster situations that affect the County. Although this plan defines procedures for coordinating such assistance, it is essential for the County to be prepared to carry out disaster response and short-term actions on an independent basis.  Control over County resources will remain at the County level even though the Governor has the legal authority to assume control in a State Declaration of Emergency.  County communication and work centers may be destroyed or rendered inoperable during a disaster. Normal operations may be disrupted during a general emergency; however, the County can still operate effectively if public officials, first responders, employees, volunteers, and residents are: o Familiar with established policies and procedures; 2-5