EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER PROCEDURE

EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER

ALEXANDER COUNTY EMERGENCY PLAN

Reviewed: Aug. 23, 2011

GENERAL	ACTIVATION	ORGANIZATIONAL GROUPS	OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES Roles and Responsibilities	ADMINISTRATION	ANNEXES
A. Purpose	A. Warnings / Alerts	A. Executive	A. Executive	A. Registration	1. Key Personnel List
B. Scope	B. Alerting	B. Operations	B. Operations	B. Manpower	2. EOC Telephone #s
C. Facility	C. Activation of EOC	C. Technical / Plans	C. Technical / Plans	C. Staff Support	3. Organization chart
D. Function		D. Logistics	D. Logistics	D. Housekeeping
E. Manning		E. Finance	E. Finance	E. Office Supplies
			F. Message Control	F. Transportation
				G. Status Information
				H. Maps
				I. Security
				J. Alerting Staff

I.	GENERAL
	A.		Purpose
			The purpose of this SOG is to establish standard operating guidelines for the activation and operation of the Alexander County Emergency Operations Center (EOC). Also see Direction and Control for continuity of government and lines of succession in overall operations, including the Emergency Operations Center.
	B.		Scope
			1.		This SOG includes organizational and functional procedures necessary to activate and operate the EOC quickly and efficiently.
			2.		This SOG will apply except when modified as needed to meet specific conditions and situations. Modifications will be carried out by the Emergency Management Coordinator or his designee.
	C.		Facility
			The EOC is located in the lower level of the Alexander County Courthouse, at 115 West Main Street, Taylorsville, North Carolina.
	D.		Function
			The Emergency Operations Center provides necessary space and facilities for the centralized direction and control of the following functions:
			1.		Direction of emergency operations.
			2.		Communications and warning.
			3.		Damage assessment and reporting.
			4.		Radiological monitoring and analysis.
			5.		Containment and/or control of hazardous material incidents/emergencies.
			6.		Dissemination of severe weather watches and warnings.
			7.		Actions to protect the health and safety of the general public, to include:
					a. Public Information, instructions, and directions
					b. Evacuation and or sheltering
	E.		Manning
			The Alexander County EOC will be manned by representatives of county and city governments involved in emergency operations and volunteers from civic organizations as appropriate. Personnel are listed in Annex 1 of this document.
II.	ACTIVATION OF EOC
	A.		Warning/Alerts
		1.	Source and Means of Receipt
			Warnings/alerts may be received from any source and by any means. The more likely sources and means are shown below. Warnings or directed messages will be verified according to developed procedures to preclude unnecessary reaction to possible prank notification.
			a.		On-the-scene personnel
			b.		Weather Service
			c.		State Highway Patrol
			d.		Division of Criminal Information (DCI)
			e.		EM Coordinator, Western Branch Office (WBO)
			f.		News Media
			g.		Division of Emergency Management
			h.		Hazardous materials fixed facilities in the County
		2.	Persons to Receive Messages
			a.		Warning may be received by Alexander County Communications Center.
			b.		Warning/alerts may also be received by Alexander County Emergency Management Coordinator or his representative.
	B.		Alerting Procedures
			Upon receipt of a bonafide warning message, the Emergency Management Coordinator will:
		1.	Consult with the appropriate county and/or town officials and make recommendations for the activation of the EOC.
		2.	Initiate alerting/notification procedures to extent directed in the manner prescribed in this SOG.
		3.	Officials alerted by the action prescribed above will alert those individuals and/or departments for which they are responsible.
	C.		Activation
		1.	The EOC will be considered activated when sufficient personnel for operational activities are physically present.
		2.	Reporting - All personnel reporting for duty in the EOC will make their presence known to the Emergency Management Coordinator or their section leaders.
		3.	When the EOC is activated, space will be utilized as suits the operation and designated by the Emergency Management Coordinator.
		4.	The initial situation briefing will be provided by the Emergency Management Coordinator when the EOC is activated. Subsequent briefings will be held as needed.
III.	ORGANIZATION
	A.		Staffing
		1.	Full Activation
		2.	Limited (Partial) Activation - Sections will be represented as directed by the Emergency Management Coordinator.
	B.		Operations groups will be composed of the following:
		1.	Executive
			a.		Chief executives (i.e., County Commission, County Manager)
			b.		Emergency Management Coordinator
			c.		Public Information Officer
			d.		S.E.R.T. (State Emergency Response Team) Representative
		2.	Operations
			a.		Operations Director / Manager
			b.		Law Enforcement
			c.		Fire Services / Fire Marshal
			d.		Public Works / Maintenance
			e.		Social Services
			f.		Emergency Medical Services and Rescue
			g.		Communications and Warning
			h.		Public Health
			i.		School System
			j.		Mental Health
			k.		Agriculture Extension
		3.	Technical / Plans /Special Services
			a.		Radiological Safety * As required
			b.		Damage Assessment * As required
			c.		Animal Control * As required
			d.		Other technical support services
		4.	Logistics
			a.		Communications
			b.		Red Cross
			c.		A.R.E.S.
			d.		Salvation Army
			e.		Other volunteer or support agencies
		5.	Finance
			a.		Finance Officer
			b.		Purchasing Officer
IV.	OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES
	A.		General Duties and Responsibilities
		1.	Executive
			a.		Chief Executives
					The Chief Executives are responsible for the formulating of policy and operational guide lines for the conduct of emergency operations. They are also responsible for the overall management of survival and recovery efforts.
			b.		Emergency Management Coordinator
					The County Emergency Management Coordinator is charged with planning, organizing, directing and supervising emergency operations conducted within the County and will:
					(1)		Assign and where necessary, train personnel to accomplish required tasks in the operation of the EOC.
					(2)		Ensure that the EOC SOG and appropriate Annexes are periodically updated.
					(3)		Maintain sufficient supplies and equipment to ensure the operational capability of the EOC.
					(4)		Supervise and coordinate the functions during operations.
					(5)		Provide briefings as needed.
					(6)		Perform such other tasks as may be required to safeguard property and protect the people of Alexander County in emergencies.
					(7)		Locate and coordinate resources and resource requests.
			c.		Public Information Officer (PIO)
					The Public Information Officer is responsible for overall coordination of public information activities and will:
					(1)		Establish procedures for the dissemination of information.
					(2)		Provide the public with educational-type information for their safety and protection.
					(3)		Disseminate public instruction and direction.
					(4)		Act as the government's point-of-contact with the news media.
					(5)		Serve under the direction of the County Manger or designee.
			d.		S.E.R.T. (State Emergency Response Team)
					The SERT representative is responsible for over all coordination of state and federal response resources and obtaining such resources from appropriate state and/or federal agencies and will:
					(1)		Forward requests for assistance and or resources to the appropriate state agencies.
					(2)		Keep local officials briefed on the activities of the state.
					(3)		Carry out other duties assigned by the state.
		2.	Operations
			a.		Operations Director/Manager
					The Operations Director controls the activity of those agencies making a direct response in the containment and reduction of the emergency and will:
					(1)		Be the recipient of all incoming information concerning the emergency situation.
					(2)		Have available the most current status of resources (i.e., manpower, equipment and supplies), in and out of government.
					(3)		Establish a priority of effort based on the two preceding items of information.
					(4)		Be supported within the EOC by the Administrative Department of county government which will:
						(a)	Maintain a complete record of activities in chronological order.
						(b)	Provide personnel for secretarial and clerical activities as needed within the EOC.
						(c)	Provide personnel for posting the operational status and activities on EOC display boards, charts, maps, etc.
			b.		Law Enforcement
					The Law Enforcement Group is headed by the County Sheriff or his representative and is supported as needed by the Taylorsville Police Department, the auxiliary forces of those departments, and the North Carolina Highway Patrol. In addition to normal law enforcement activities he is charged in Emergency Operations with providing assistance in warning and evacuation, EOC Security, escorts for school buses, traffic control, and security for evacuated areas.
			c.		Fire Service/Fire Marshal
					Fire Service within the County is represented in the EOC by the Alexander County Fire Marshal or his designee and (as necessary) the Chiefs of various local Fire Departments. Additional duties assigned to the Fire Service are many and varied. These duties are contained in current plans, particularly those involving hazardous material incidents/emergencies including radioactive material.
			d.		Public Works
					Public Works for the County will be made up of the personnel and equipment from the County Maintenance Department as well as Taylorsville Public Works. It will be under the direction and control of the County Maintenance Director. This group will provide such emergency service as debris clearance, soil removal, refuse collection and other similar services as needed for the safety and protection of the population.
			e.		Social Services
					In addition to the services provided by these organizations on a routine basis, they are tasked in emergencies with support operations of Congregate Care Centers if required. Facilities (schools) to be used as Congregate Care Centers are identified in appropriate plans. Supporting Congregate Care includes the entire spectrum of mass care from registering through feeding, bedding, physical hygiene, care of sick, aged, infirm and children, to returning the facility to its pre-shelter condition. The Health Department and Social Services are responsible for coordinating Congregate Care to the Special Needs population.
			f.		Emergency Medical Service and Rescue
					The Emergency Medical Service is represented in the EOC by the Director of Emergency Medical Service. Resources for the service are those of the Health Department, Rescue Squads, and the Emergency Medical Service. In addition to services which would be required of this group in emergencies, they will support the medical and health requirements of Congregate Care.
			g.		Communications and Warning
				(1)	Communications within the County are under the operational control of the Office of Emergency Communications Operations and Management. All emergency service agencies utilized within the County are terminated in the center station located at the EOC. Additional communications which could be placed in service are identified in the Resource Manual.
				(2)	Warning within the County is provided by EAS with Cable Television interrupt on all channels and is supplemented by public address systems mounted in emergency service vehicles. Warning is an assigned responsibility of the County Warning Point (EOC) and supplemented by the various emergency service agencies. The direction and control of the warning system is by the Emergency Management Coordinator.
			h.		Public Health
					Public health is represented in the EOC by the Health Director or his designee and is supported, as needed by members of his staff as required, based upon the nature of the incident. In addition to normal duties, the Health Director will be responsible for directing his staff to assist in issues dealing with public health concerns with a specific focus on radiation contamination. The Health Director will also address specific issues concerning food products, sanitation and population exposure to diseases that may manifest themselves in times of disaster.
			i.		School System
					The Alexander County School District is represented in the EOC by the Superintendent or his designee of same or their respective appointed representative who has the authority to act on behalf of the schools. The primary function of this person is to coordinate school related issues such as student evacuations, transportation and the use of school facilities as shelters by the American Red Cross. This person works closely with Red Cross and the Department of Social Services to ensure facilities are adequate and that the needs of both the public and the schools are met in times of disaster. This person serves as the primary liaison between the County and the School system.
			j.		Mental Health
					Mental Health will be represented in the EOC as required or requested by the EOC staff and/or the Emergency Management Coordinator. Mental Health or his designee will be represented by the local Director or the chief of a mental health agency should a public agency not be available. The primary function of this person will be to provide assistance in the way of personnel to shelters when it is determined that mental health personnel are needed. They will support the Health Department, Social Services and the Red Cross. The mental health position is also responsible for arranging and coordinating CISD (critical incident stress debriefing) teams for emergency services personnel.
			k.		Cooperative Extension
					Agriculture is represented by the Cooperative Extension Service Director or his designee and is responsible for all issues concerning agriculture including assessing crop, livestock and their product damages that may result from the loss suffered in a disaster. This person will keep the EOC advised regarding agriculture losses or the potential of such losses. This person is also responsible for the coordination of the removal of dead farm animals and/or the decontamination of such animals. This person will be responsible for issuing proper authority to farmers to reenter stricken areas in coordination with the Sheriff or appropriate law enforcement agency. Also this person coordinates assistance to the public by means of public information concerning the consumption of food products or the preparation of same. This activity is conducted in a coordinated manner with the Health Department and the Public Information Officer.
			l.		Damage Assessment
					Damage Assessment is represented by the Tax Supervisor or his designee and is responsible for the coordination of all damage assessment teams. He is also responsible to ensure that the teams are equipped and dispatched to the appropriate areas to conduct damage surveys. Collections of these surveys and compiling the information for accurate reporting to the Emergency Management Coordinator. Additional duties are found in the plan Annex dealing with damage assessment.
		3.	Technical /Plans / Special Services
			a.		Radiological Safety
					The RDO has been appointed and will serve as the Radiation Safety Officer, following guidelines established in Alexander County's Incident Management System Plan. He is responsible for the receipt evaluation and reporting of radiological data. He is also responsible for working with the Health Director in making recommendations for Emergency Workers. He shall issue all Radiation Equipment and assist the Health Director in administering KI. He shall be assisted by the head of Environmental Health Division of the Alexander County Health Department.
			b.		Damage Assessment
					The Damage Assessment Section will be manned by the Emergency Management Coordinator who will serve as the Director of Damage Assessment supported by members of the Tax Department, Cooperative Extension Service, and the Inspections Department. Rapid and accurate means of developing this information is essential as it forms the basis for requesting assistance at the State and National level. Assistance will be provided by American Red Cross, if appropriate or requested, and or local fire service personnel. Additional functions may be found in the plan Annex, Damage Assessment.
			c.		Animal Control
					The Animal Control Section will be manned by the Director of Animal Control or his designee. Animal Control will coordinate all issues dealing with domestic companion animals and assist Cooperative Extension as much as possible with livestock issues. These include issues of companion animals at shelters. The Animal Control Section may draw upon whatever resources are necessary and available to assist them.
			d.		Other Technical Support Services
					Other technical support services may be necessary such as representatives of utilities, chemical manufactures, radiation specialists, or other specialists. These persons serve as technical advisors and liaisons within the scope of their expertise.
		4.	Logistics
			The Logistics Group is headed by the Assistant Emergency Management Coordinator. This group is responsible for maintaining a display within the EOC of the current status of available government resources. Additionally, they must be knowledgeable of those resources available within the county but not under government control. This information will be assembled and frequently updated in a resource manual by the Department of Emergency Management. The Logistics group, may be established to coordinate the acquisition of supplies, equipment and other resources (public and private) necessary and approved to resolve/recover from the emergency or disaster situation. Logistics also is responsible for mass care and feeding and shelter operations.
			a.		Communications
					Responsible for operation of two-way radio equipment as required, as well as computers and other communications support equipment.
			b.		Red Cross
					In addition to the services provided by these organizations on a routine basis, they are tasked in emergencies with operations of Congregate Care Centers (shelters) if required. Facilities (schools) to be used as Congregate Care Centers (shelters) are identified in appropriate plans. Congregate Care includes the entire spectrum of mass care from registering through feeding, bedding, physical hygiene, to returning the facility to its pre-shelter condition. The Health Department and Social Services are responsible for coordinating Congregate Care to the Special Needs population.
			c.		A.R.E.S.
					A.R.E.S. or the Amateur Radio Emergency Service is represented by a volunteer, licensed Amateur radio operator and part of the amateur radio emergency service network. A liaison is assigned by Alexander ARES to the EOC. This liaison is responsible for all ARES operations and staffing regardless of the location of ARES operators. The primary function is to perform back up communications via radio with shelters and messaging from the EOC to outlying emergency operations and serve as the link between shelter operations and the Red Cross liaison at the EOC. This person also ensures that all amateur radio equipment used is functional and within the standards of the service and that all amateur radio personnel are licensed and members of ARES. ARES is also responsible for updating weather information in a timely manner, using whatever tools are available and maintaining contact with NWS and keeping the EOC advised accordingly.
			d.		Salvation Army
					The Salvation Army provides services for donations management.
		5.	Finance
			This group is under the direction of the County Finance Officer. This group may be established to:
			a.		Compile and maintain documentation of purchases, acquisition and utilization of emergency supplies, equipment and other services;
			b.		Perform financial and cost analysis to develop conclusions on efficient methods of resolving and recovering from the emergency/disaster situation.
	B.		Message Control
			1.		Radio communications received in the EOC will be via the County Communications Center. All traffic through the center will be recorded in digital format as well as printed form.
			2.		Incoming information will be passed to the Operations Section Chief for his information and disposition as he deems appropriate.
			3.		Incoming information received via telephone or messenger will be written using the EOC messaging system furnished by Emergency Management.
			4.		Actions taken as a result of incoming information will be made as an entry in the computer.
			5.		Outgoing Messages: Copies of messages directing the commitment of resources or personnel will be made available to the Operations Officer and the information passed on to the Emergency Management Coordinator by the agency directing the action.
			6.		A standard messaging system is available for use by all agencies by using the appropriate ICS forms. The form is simple, self-explanatory and provides an appropriate attachment to journal entries.
			7.		The flow of information/messaging will follow paths designated according to the attached annex to this SOG.
V.			ADMINISTRATION
	A.		Registration
			An ICS 211 will be maintained by Emergency Management for all personnel engaged in operational activities in the EOC. Name, title, agency, and time in and out will be required for record purposes.
	B.		Manpower
			EOC Group leaders or their designated representatives will be responsible for notifying members of their staff and providing alternates as required.
	C.		Staff Support
			Administrative and logistical support of staff members within the EOC will be provided by the County Administration Department.
	D.		Housekeeping
			1.		Bedding is available within the EOC and will be provided as needed during prolonged operations by the staff of Emergency Management or Red Cross.
			2.		Meals
				a.	With exception of special diets which are the responsibility of the individuals, meals will be provided within the EOC when circumstances dictate or outside travel is restricted or curtailed.
				b.	The procurement of food supplies will be the responsibility of the Emergency Management Coordinator or Red Cross.
				c.	Preparation of meals within the EOC will be accomplished by either EOC Personnel or the Cooperative Extension Service Homemakers (as available). Austere meals (soup, sandwich and beverage) will be provided in other than prolonged operations.
			3.		Personal Items
					Each individual reporting to the EOC for duty will make provisions for their own personal hygiene requirements, clothing, and any special dietary needs or prescription drugs.
	E.		Office Supplies
			An initial supply of essential items will be furnished by the Department of Emergency Management. Subsequent supplies will be made available from county or retail stocks.
	F.		Transportation
			Transportation to and from the EOC is the responsibility of the individual. Should inclement weather or other conditions prelude vehicle movement, the Emergency Management Coordinator should be notified for whatever assistance he can provide.
	G.		Status Information
			The following status information will be maintained up-to-date in the EOC by the Planning Section via the Situation Unit.
				1.	Operation Log
				2.	Shelters (capacity, name)
				3.	Weather Information
				4.	Emergency Action Classification (in nuclear emergencies only)
				5.	Decontamination stations
				6.	Traffic Control points/road blocks
				7.	Warning and notification routes
	H.		Maps
			Maps that depict the area of the emergency will be posted and maintained. Such maps should depict demographic features and threats to the safety of people and property. Maps are also available via the web site.
	I.		EOC Security
			Security will be provided by Alexander County Sheriff's Department. Security will carry out the following:
				1.	Ensure picture IDs are worn or carried at all times and only those persons with proper identification are admitted to the EOC during operational hours.
				2.	Ensure an accurate log is kept of all persons entering or exiting the EOC.
				3.	Ensure authorized visitors are escorted at all times in the EOC.
				4.	Perform perimeter security checks and ensure appropriate doors are locked or otherwise secured.
				5.	Perform other security functions as directed by the Sheriff, ranking law enforcement officer or the Emergency Management Coordinator.
VI.			METHOD USED TO ALERT E.O.C. STAFF
			The staff of the Department of Emergency Management and the County Manager's Office, following receipt of alert from the Alexander County Communications Department, will alert the Emergency Operations staff.
			As each employee arrives, they will be provided an alert list and be directed to alert certain persons remaining to be called.

ANNEXES

Annex 1

EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER

KEY STAFF ALERT LIST

Updated - September 20, 2004

Name	Title	Office Number	Home Number
W. Norris Keever	Chair - County Commissioners	828-632-9332	Alexander County 911 has night and
Rick French	County Manager	828-632-9332	after hours contact information.
Hayden Bentley	Sheriff	828-632-4659
Jack Hoke	Superintendent of Schools	828-632-7001
Terry Foxx	County Animal Response Team	828-632-1139
Karen Hoyle	Social Services Director	828-632-1080
Leeanne Whisnant	Public Health Director	828-632-9304
Gary Bradshaw	Animal Control Director	828-632-1199
Patti Foster	Transportation Director	828-632-1112
David Odom	Town Manager	828-632-2218
Tony Jones	Police Chief	828-632-2218
David Robinette	Town Public Works	828-632-2218
Terry Foxx	Emergency Management	828-632-1139

**** Numbers are not to be released ******

Annex 2

ALEXANDER COUNTY

LIST OF TELEPHONE NUMBERS ASSIGNED TO ALEXANDER COUNTY E.O.C.

* Numbers that are changed will be posted at EOC activation by EMC/Operations

Public Information Officer/Rumor Control
Director of Public Health
Radiation Safety Officer
Duke Utilities
Fire
Law Enforcement
Superintendent of Schools
Congregate Care/Red Cross
Department of Social Services
Communication Center
Message Control
E.M. Coordinator/Operations
EMS/Rescue
Agriculture Extension
Chairman of Commissioners
Public Works
County Manager
Fax
Fax
Fax (alternate emergency use only)

Annex 3

Organization Chart