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I. Background This Alternative Operating Procedure (AOP) document outlines the Continuity of Operations (COOP) priority for the Office of Nutrition Services (ONS), within the West Virginia Department of Health, which is to provide continued Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) services and a healthy and safe environment for participants and staff in the clinics, distribution sites, authorized grocery stores, and local, regional, and state offices. The AOP/COOP Plan is used as a guide to help ensure that all essential functions of ONS and its Programs will continue to be performed under all threats and conditions. ONS staff can achieve the latter while also minimizing the impact on its mission, participants, Programs, personnel, and information technology operations. Critical employees have been identified and understand what is expected of them during a public health emergency, natural disaster or supply chain disruption. The ONS, in the event of an emergency or major disaster affecting large numbers of participants, will take those resources necessary to: A. Provide for the safety of personnel and equipment; B. Secure records, equipment, materials and supplies; C. Restore WIC Program operations and delivery of service as soon as possible; D. Support the emergency procedures of the West Virginia Office of Emergency Services. The extent of disaster preparation depends on the type of disaster. E. When there is advance notice that a WIC clinic may be damaged by a flood, WIC personnel will attempt to remove vehicles, computer equipment, participant charts, medical supplies and equipment to a secure location. F. When a WIC clinic is struck by lightning which causes a fire, there is no time to make advance preparation. In this case, it is important that all people inside the building leave immediately and call the fire department. When there is advance notice that a disaster may occur, the Local Agency Director will take immediate action upon receipt of the notice. During a disaster, the mission of the West Virginia WIC Program remains the same: To improve the health of women, infants and children in West Virginia through the provision of nutrition and breastfeeding counseling, health monitoring and the provision of nutritious supplemental foods. This Office of Nutrition Services’ Alternative Operating Procedure document will be reviewed and updated as required. II. Coordination and Communication A. The following designated emergency contacts within the State Agency (SA) for disasters, emergencies, public health emergencies, supplemental food recalls and other supply chain disruptions to ensure that the appropriate entities (e.g., Regional 3