Function based planning identifies the common functions that a jurisdiction must perform during such emergencies. Standard Operation Procedures & Guidelines (SOP/SOG) are required to outline the purpose, authority, duration and details of performing functions in a uniform manner. As outline in Chapter 4-13, course of action development encourages planners to establish a timeline to cover all mission areas in relation to the speed of incident onset (i.e. a major HAZMAT incident’s speed of onset is minutes, while a hurricane’s speed onset might be hours). Time is critical, and the protective action decision-making process is greatly compressed. To ensure an effective response with minimal confusion, the assigned mission and critical tasks should be completed within the time contemplated by the plan.