The Emergency Operations Center

The EOC is always activated.    

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The day-to-day operational status for the EM staff is often called “Blue Skies” operations; monitoring for unexpected hazards, training, testing equipment, conducting drills and exercises, teaching classes, and sharing information to make sure everyone is ready for a disaster.  

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Enhanced operations occur when there is a looming threat, hazardous weather conditions, or a local disaster such as a train wreck occurs – basically anytime EM specialists are monitoring a specific hazard or condition, preparing for potential impacts from a hazard, or planning, coordinating, and providing support for responders on a local incident such as a wildfire.  A wide range of operations take place at this level.  EM specialists frequently find themselves activated to "Level 2."  Most local incidents can be effectively managed, supported, and resolved at this level.    

• EM personnel perform core EOC IMT functions such as Situational Analysis, Planning, Resource Management, Logistics, and Public Information. 

• EOC IMT members collect and analyze situational data and plan for contingencies.  The team documents local needs and decisions, the actions partners are taking on their own, and helps coordinate or obtain scarce resources needed by partners so they can continue to operate.

• The EOC IMT Public Information Officer (PIO) serves as the one official source for incident information shared with the public.  

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When a potentially catastrophic emergency is expected or Community Lifelines are or may be significantly disrupted, and the resources needed to stabilize them far exceed local capabilities:  

• Local government officials can declare a Local State of Emergency (LSE).  The LSE lifts certain purchasing restrictions so that emergency resources can be obtained quickly.  A delegation of authority to the EOC AHIMT typically allows the team to utilize all resources necessary (local government staff, public facilities, equipment, and supplies) to implement protective measures on the jurisdiction's behalf. 

• Some government offices might be closed and/or some public services may be suspended while departmental resources are helping with the local disaster response.

• The EOC AHIMT may obtain additional resources through the Statewide Mutual Aid Agreement to run critical emergency response operations that are not, or cannot be, managed by local departments/agencies:  mass care shelters, large scale search and rescue efforts, formal damage assessments, and points of distribution for water and food supplies.

• Points of Contact for recognized Emergency Support Functions (ESFs) support the EOC AHIMT response by maintaining situational awareness and coordinating or helping to locate resources for unmet needs.  

• The EOC AHIMT and ESF POCs can continue to analyze the changing situation, plan for "next steps," and support the response operations until the emergency de-escalates and the community is ready to begin its disaster recovery process.