Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
striving to quickly return to normalcy. Our leaders recognize that this is even more
important now that globalization and interdependency are no longer academic con-
cepts but a reality. The linkage between suppliers, manufacturers, producers, and
consumers is one of the key threads that bind a nation together. Having a robust
and strong economic base has come to represent a key component of a country's
strength. As a result, the EOC and its operation's room play a pivotal role in man-
aging a crisis, and the EOC has had to become a sophisticated communications
hub to fulfill its mission during the cycle of mitigation, preparation, response, and
recovery rather than just a command-and-control center during a crisis.
Today's Focus
Regardless of the scale of an emergency, the success of a coordinated response
almost always depends on several key factors:
1. Redundant and interoperable communications systems, which are balanced
vertically and horizontally
2. Comprehensive ability to quickly determine and coordinate asset utilization
3. Organizational flexibility to accommodate a variety of responding entities,
which are driven by event type
4. In-depth situational awareness
5. Access to all supporting resources to formulate alternative response scenarios
One must also recognize that because of the speed at which events can unfold and
the need to engage a myriad of supporting players, a well-crafted plan should be in
place. To be effective, it should target the most likely types of events for the locale
and be tuned as a result of multiagency exercises to be fully effective. The plan—the
tools—are the baseline of preparedness, for as we have often seen, events never fol-
low the script and scenario adaptation will be necessary.
Another reality that our political establishment can sometimes forget is that all
disasters are local. Even during a widening crisis, organizational effectiveness starts
with the local responders and then gradually draws upon the next level of support.
Having said this, we have all seen situations where the local entity failed to quickly
recognize that events were spiraling beyond their capabilities and failed to request
support quickly enough. This is where the value of the EOC's operations room is
leveraged. For while incident command is focusing on the immediate issues on the
ground, the professionals in the EOC with a theater-wide view can implement and
guide a strategic response measured by the needs coming from the field.
Additionally, we must further recognize that staffing realities dictate that regard-
less of the size of the jurisdiction, support during the initial stages of an event will
come from a 24/7 watch component. This on-duty team acts as the trip wire providing
the vital linkages in the response chain. They will do so until such time as the facility
