In an emergency or disaster, North Shore Emergency Management may activate the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC).
An EOC is a designated facility where representatives from municipalities and partner organizations co-ordinate information, resources and actions to support the overall response. It helps ensure responders have the support they need and that critical services, public information, and assistance are coordinated throughout an emergency.
The EOC during an emergency
During an emergency, key municipal staff and other agencies involved in the response will work together to:
- coordinate resource requests from the site(s), establish priorities, and resolve any conflicting demands for support.
- manage non-site activities.
- coordinate and liaise with federal, provincial, and other local governments as well as other agencies involved in the response.
- prepare and disseminate emergency public information to inform, alert, and warn the public.
- prepare official media releases and schedule news conferences.
- analyze and evaluate data, and maintain maps, display boards, and other data required for emergency operations.
- disseminate damage information and other essential data.
- plan 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 readiness and effectiveness.