What is an EOC?
In an emergency or disaster, North Shore Emergency Management may activate the Municipal Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) to function as a “mission control” during the response. The EOC is where key municipal personnel and other agencies involved in the response gather to support activities taking place at the site(s) of the emergency while facilitating a coordinated response.
EOC activities during an emergency
During emergencies, North Shore Emergency Management:
- coordinates resource requests from the site(s), establishes priorities, and resolves any conflicting demands for support.
- manages non-site activities.
- coordinates and liaises with federal, provincial, and other local governments as well as other agencies involved in the response.
- prepares and disseminates emergency public information to inform, alert, and warn the public.
- prepares official media releases and schedules news conferences.
- analyzes and evaluates data and maintain maps, display boards, and other data required for emergency operations.
- disseminates damage information and other essential data.
- plans for the continuance of government.
The level of staffing needed in the Emergency Operations Centre varies with the specific emergency situation.
North Shore Emergency Management staff and volunteers, as well as municipal staff, regularly test the activation, set-up, and operation of the EOC to ensure its constant readiness and effectiveness.
