(1) To provide for the continuity and preservation of civil government, each public officer shall designate certain public records as essential records. The list must be continually maintained by the public officers to ensure its accuracy. Each public officer shall collaborate with the appropriate continuity of government programs to ensure essential records are identified and maintained.
(2) Each public officer shall ensure essential records are efficiently and effectively secured. Each public officer shall look to the guidance provided by the state records committee or the local government records committee in choosing appropriate methods to protect, store, back up, and recover essential records.