{{Short description|Central command and control facility for incident management and preparedness}} {{Multiple issues| {{Globalize|article|United States|date=May 2024}} {{Sources exist|date=May 2024}} {{Rewrite|date=June 2024}} }} [[File:Corps trains on new emergency operations vehicles (6461449259).jpg|thumb|An emergency operations center operated by the United States Army Corps of Engineers]] An '''emergency operations center''' ('''EOC''') is a central command and control "coordination structure" responsible for managing emergency response, emergency preparedness, emergency management, and disaster management functions at a strategic level during an emergency. Based on the organizational needs of the entity that has implemented the EOC, as well as the emergency being dealt with, the specific responsibilities and tasks executed by a given EOC may vary vastly and could include ensuring the continued operation of a municipality, company, public or emergency service, or other organization.<ref name=femadoc></ref>
EOCs were originally created as part of United States civil defense {{Citation needed|date=May 2024}} and can be found in many nations, at all government levels, as well as in larger corporations that deal with large equipment or numbers of employees. In corporations and smaller jurisdictions, the EOC may be co-located in the same room as an emergency communications center.{{Citation needed|date=May 2024}}
An EOC is responsible for strategic direction and operational decisions and does not normally directly control field assets, instead leaving tactical decisions to those in the field. The common functions of an EOC is to collect, gather and analyze data, make decisions that protect life and property, maintain continuity of an organization, and disseminate information to involved agencies and individuals.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ready.gov/business/implementation/incident|title=Incident Management {{!}} Ready.gov|website=www.ready.gov|language=en|access-date=2018-10-23}}</ref><ref name=femadoc>{{cite web |title=Emergency Operations Center How-to Quick Reference Guide |url=https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fema_eoc-quick-reference-guide.pdf |website=DHS FEMA |access-date=4 May 2024}}</ref>
When an EOC is operated in a vehicle such as a truck or trailer, or is otherwise capable of moving quickly (or being operated while moving), it is usually called a '''mobile command center''' ('''MCC'''), '''mobile command unit''' ('''MCU'''), or '''mobile forward control facility'''.<ref name = ukcofp>{{cite web | url = https://www.college.police.uk/app/operations/command-and-control/command-support | publisher = College of Policing | title = Authorised Professional Practice - Command support | access-date = 24 August 2024}}</ref> These Mobile Command Centers serve as a central command hub to support tactical operations. They are outfitted with advanced communications and additional technology such as weather stations for monitoring situational awareness, improving safety and reporting.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Columbia Weather Systems |title=Mobile Command Center |url=https://columbiaweather.com/applications/mobile-command-center/applications/mobile-command-center/ |access-date=2026-04-23 |website=columbiaweather.com |language=en}}</ref>
==Structure== {{Expand section|date=May 2024}} <!-- *********** This is how an EOC works, briefly, in the US for public safety emergencies. EDITORS please add more about other types of EOCs in other countries as well as things like business EOCs that deal with non-public-safety related business emergencies. --> ===United States=== {{Main|Incident Command System}} In the United States, an emergency operations center established to deal with matters involving public safety will follow guidelines established by FEMA and ICS. The EOC will include personnel assigned to:<ref name=femadoc></ref><ref name="IAP">{{cite web |title=Incident Action Planning Process "The Planning P" |url=https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fema_incident-action-planning-process.pdf |website=DHS FEMA |access-date=4 May 2024}}</ref>
* An '''Operations Section''' "responsible for implementing tactical incident operations described in the IAP (incident action plan)." * A '''Planning Section''' "responsible for collecting, evaluating, and disseminating operational information related to an incident [in order to] help prepare and document the IAP (incident action plan)." * A '''Logistics Section''' "responsible for providing facilities, services and material support for an incident." * A '''Finance / Administration Section''' "responsible for an incident’s administrative and financial considerations."
== See also == *Emergency management *Incident Command System *Federal Emergency Management Agency *Mount Weather Emergency Operations Center *Tactical operations center *Office of emergency management *Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (South Korea)
==References== {{reflist}}
== External links == *[https://www.cdc.gov/cpr/eoc/eoc.htm CDC Emergency Operations Center]
Category:Emergency services Category:Disaster preparedness Category:Continuity of government
{{emergency-services-stub}}