Significance and Use
A critical part of developing an emergency management capability is establishing and preparing to operate an EOC. A well-designed EOC, coupled with well-trained personnel, will enable the coordination of response and recovery activities. An EOC can serve as an effective and efficient facility for coordinating all emergency response efforts and will optimize emergency communications and information management. This standard guide is intended to provide the emergency management community with practical concepts and approaches to develop an effective EOC.
Scope
1.1 This guide provides general guidelines for the development of an emergency operations center (EOC).
1.2 An EOC may be developed by either the public or private sector in response to the demonstrated or predicted need for a designated facility at which those involved in emergency/disaster management and the coordination of response and recovery efforts work.
1.3 This guide may also serve as a foundation for larger facilities such as a regional operations center (ROC) or state operations center (SOC) with a broader area of responsibility and more extensive needs to communicate and coordinate with others.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
