I found some interesting information on Wiki.
Apparently during the cold war there was a Continuity of Operations Plan. It was pretty much phased out after the standoff. Bush and his
administration have put it back in the agenda.
The George W. Bush Administration put the Continuity of Operations plan into effect for the first time directly following the September 11, 2001
Terrorist Attack. Their implementation involves a rotating staff of 75 to 150 senior officials and other government workers from every Cabinet
department and other parts of the executive branch in two secure bunkers in the East Coast. Friends, family and co-workers can only reach them through
a toll-free number and personal extensions.
A document named in italics supersedes the following document.
Clinton Administration
* Federal Preparedness Circular 65, "Federal Executive Branch Continuity of Operations (COOP)", July 26, 1999
* "Federal Response Plan" [FEMA 9230.1-PL], April 1999
* Presidential Decision Directive 67, "Enduring Constitutional Government and Continuity of Government Operations", October 21, 1998
* 41 Code of Federal Regulations 101-2, "Occupant Emergency Program", revised as of July 1, 1998
* 36 Code of Federal Regulations 1236, "Management of Vital Records", revised as of July 1, 1998
* Presidential Decision Directive 63, "Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP)", May 22, 1998
* Presidential Decision Directive 62, "Protection Against Unconventional Threats to the Homeland and Americans Overseas", May 22, 1998
* FPC 65 Federal Response Planning Guidance 01-94, "Continuity of Operations (COOP)", December 4, 1994
George H. W. Bush Administration
* PDD 67 National Security Directive 69, "Enduring Constitutional Government", June 2, 1992
* FPC 65 Federal Preparedness Circular 61, "Emergency Succession to Key Positions of the Federal Departments and Agencies", August 2, 1991
* FPC 65 Federal Preparedness Circular 62, "Delegation of Authorities for Emergency Situations", August 1, 1991
* Federal Preparedness Circular 60, "Continuity of the Executive Branch of the Federal Government at the Headquarters Level During National
Security Emergencies", November 20,1990
* NSD 69 National Security Directive 37, "Enduring Constitutional Government", April 18, 1990
Reagan Administration
* Executive Order 12656, "Assignment of Emergency Preparedness Responsibilities", November 18, 1988
Section 202 The head of each Federal department and agency shall ensure the continuity of essential functions in any national security emergency
by providing for: succession to office and emergency delegation of authority in accordance with applicable law; safekeeping of essential resources,
facilities, and records; and establishment of emergency operating capabilities.
* Executive Order 12472, "Assignment of National Security and Emergency Preparedness Telecommunications Functions", April 3, 1984
* NSD 69 NSDD 55, "Enduring National Leadership" September 14, 1982
Carter Administration
* Executive Order 12148, "Federal Emergency Management", July 20, 1979
Eisenhower Administration
* The National Security Act of 1947, July 26, 1947
Good Info and good links...
en.wikipedia.org...