Tennessee Counties Achieve Advance Designation for Basic Emergency Operations Plans

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Maury, Shelby, and Stewart counties have been awarded an advance designation for their Basic Emergency Operations Plans (BEOPs), a critical step in improving emergency preparedness and response for their communities. This status, granted by the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency, recognizes the counties for demonstrating their readiness to effectively manage potential disasters and emergencies. 

The BEOP designation is an essential component of the state’s emergency management framework, designed to ensure that local governments are equipped with robust, organized, and clearly defined plans for coordinating responses to a wide range of hazards and emergencies.

TEMA’s advance designation reflects the hard work and dedication of Maury, Shelby, and Stewart counties’ emergency management teams, local government officials, and community partners. All three counties have worked diligently to develop comprehensive response strategies that prioritize public safety and outline clear roles and responsibilities for key agencies and personnel. 

“Maury, Shelby, and Stewart counties have taken a proactive approach to safeguarding their communities,” said TEMA Director Patrick C. Sheehan. “We are proud to recognize their efforts with this advance designation. Having a strong BEOP in place is essential for saving lives and minimizing the impact of disasters.”

All Tennessee counties are required to maintain a BEOP that outlines how local governments prepare for and respond to disasters. While meeting the state’s standards earns a county an “Approved” designation, those that exceed expectations can achieve “Advanced” status. To reach this level, each section of the plan must include detailed, county-specific information, such as local hazard data, response routes, and resource details, so the plan is tailored to the community’s unique needs rather than relying on general guidance. Counties that achieve “Advanced” status demonstrate exceptional preparedness and a strong commitment to protecting residents through proactive, locally focused emergency planning. 

For more information about emergency preparedness in Tennessee, please visit the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency website at www.tn.gov/tema.