emergency operations center (EOC)

emergency operations center (EOC)

About Emergency Operations Centers
An emergency operations center, or EOC, is a central command and control facility responsible for carrying out the principles of emergency preparedness and emergency management, or disaster management functions, at a strategic level in an emergency situation, and ensuring the continuity of operation throughout its specified area. 

An EOC is responsible for the strategic overview, or big picture, of the disaster, and does not normally directly control field assets, instead making operational decisions and leaving tactical decisions to lower commands. The common functions of all EOCs are to collect, gather, and analyze data; make decisions that protect life and property; maintain continuity of the organization within the scope of applicable laws; and disseminate its decisions to all concerned agencies and individuals. In most EOCs there is one individual in charge and that is the emergency manager. 

Location 
Jackson County EOC is located at the Seymour Police Department at 215 N. Ewing Street in Seymour, Indiana. View map.

Organization 
The first most critical component of an EOC is its staff of individuals. The staff must be properly trained and have the proper authority to carry out actions that are necessary to respond to a disaster. Staff also must be capable of thinking outside the box and creating "what if" scenarios.

The second most critical component of an EOC is its communications system. This can be from simple word of mouth to sophisticated encrypted communications networks, but it must provide for a redundant path to ensure that both situational awareness information and strategic orders can pass into and out of the facility without interruption. 

Levels of Activations
Level NumberName of LevelDescriptionExample
IV (green) Daily operations / limited emergency conditions A situation has occurred or may occur to warrant further actions Tornado watch
III (yellow) Active emergency conditions A situation has occurred requiring limited activation of the county EOC Flooding
II (orange) Significant emergency conditions A situation has occurred requiring full activation of the county EOC Large tornado
I (red) Full emergency conditions A situation has occurred requiring full activation of the county EOC and policy-level personnel including County Commissioners Large earthquake
 

EMA Director

Duane Davis (812) 358-6110 email