The guidelines consist of four parts:
1) The first part briefs on the aim of the guidelines
2) The second part contains an overview of key concepts in contingency planning, such as what contingency planning is, the importance of planning, when and what to plan, and finally who will lead the inter-agency process
3) The third part provides tools to manage an inter-agency contingency planning process, and how to develop integrated plans and monitor ongoing preparedness actions
4) The last part offers practical advice on how to develop, circulate, and maintain a contingency plan