DIRECTION AND CONTROL

DIRECTION AND CONTROL

ALEXANDER COUNTY EMERGENCY OPERATIONS PLAN
Reviewed: Aug. 23, 2011

I.	PURPOSE
	This annex outlines the direction and control procedures for emergency operations and identifies the personnel, facilities and resources which will be utilized in the coordinated response activities.
II.	SITUATION AND ASSUMPTIONS
	A.	Situation
		1.	Direction and control of normal day-to-day emergencies is performed by senior on-scene emergency response personnel (i.e., law enforcement, fire, rescue, EMS) in accordance with local ordinances, policies and procedures.
		2.	Many hazards exist within or near the County, which have the potential to cause disasters of such magnitude as to warrant centralization of the direction and control (EOC) function in order to conduct effective and efficient emergency operations.
		3.	The municipality within the County may exercise independent direction and control of their own emergency resources, outside resources assigned to the municipality by the County EOC, and resources secured through existing mutual aid agreements with other municipalities. Requests for State/Federal government assistance will be directed to the County EOC or to the Emergency Management Coordinator prior to activation.
		4.	Centralized county-wide direction and control (EOC activation) is desirable when one or more of the following situations occur:
			a.	there exists an imminent threat to the public safety/health;
			b.	extensive multi-agency/jurisdiction response and coordination are necessary to resolve or recover from the emergency situation;
			c.	local resources are inadequate or depleted and significant mutual aid, state and or federal resources must be utilized to resolve the emergency situation;
			d.	the disaster affects multiple political jurisdictions within the county which are relying on the same emergency resources to resolve the emergency situation;
			e.	local emergency ordinances are implemented to control the emergency situation.
		5.	The County Emergency Operations Center serves as the central direction and control point for county-wide emergency response activities.
		6.	The County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is located in the Alexander County Courthouse in Taylorsville. It is normally staffed during office hours by Emergency Services personnel. The County Communications Center within EOC operates 24 hours a day. As used in this document, the term “activation” means bringing the EOC to an increased operational status. The specifics of activation are described in the EOC Standard Operating Guidelines.
		7.	In the event the EOC is inoperable, or if other conditions warrant, an alternate EOC may be established in the Alexander County Administrative Office at 621 Liledoun Road, Taylorsville.
	B.	Assumptions
		1.	The designated EOC will be activated upon the threat or occurrence of a major emergency/disaster and designated personnel will report to the EOC in a timely fashion.
		2.	The County EOC facility and equipment is adequate for coordinating county-wide emergency operations.
		3.	Sufficient procedures have been developed to effectively direct and control disaster operations/recovery.
		4.	Emergency operations and coordination at all levels of government will be carried out according to plans and procedures.
III.	CONCEPT OF OPERATIONS
	A.	General
		1.	Emergency operations shall include all activities which are directed toward reduction of the immediate hazard, establishing situation control and restoration of normal operations within the County.
		2.	The Emergency Management Coordinator (EMC) will activate, organize and operate the EOC in a flexible manner based on the magnitude of the situation.
		3.	The organizational structure of the EOC will be arranged according to the type of incident, agencies and/or jurisdictions involved, objectives and strategies selected to resolve the situation and demands of the emergency. Municipalities will provide representation in the County EOC for inter-jurisdictional coordination when the event affects the jurisdiction or as requested.
		4.	When EOC activation is warranted to direct and control emergency operations, the Emergency Management Coordinator will notify the County Manager, who will notify the Chairman and the other commissioners.
		5.	The EOC will be managed in accordance with the County EOC Standard Operating Guidelines.
		6.	On-scene activities of emergency response personnel will be managed utilizing Alexander County's Incident Management System Plan
	B.	Staffing
		Personnel assigned to the EOC will operate in one of five functional sections as assigned by the Executive Group or Emergency Management Coordinator:
		1.	The Executive Group, under the direction of the Chairman of County Commissioners, consists of the elected officials, jurisdictional management and liaison officials, jurisdictional Public Information Officer (PIO) and is responsible for:
			a.	the approval of polices and strategies pertinent to the emergency/disaster situation
			b.	conducting briefings of the EOC staff to assure coordination of information
		2.	The Operations Group, under the direction of the County Manager and consisting of the designated representatives of the agencies conducting emergency operations (law enforcement, fire, EMS, others as appropriate), is responsible for the direct supervision of on-scene operations including the allocation of resources necessary to implement the approved strategies and policies.
		3.	The Planning Group, under the direction of the Planning Director, consisting of the Damage Assessment Officer and other technical advisors pertinent to the type of emergency/disaster, may be established to:
			a	collect, evaluate, display and disseminate information regarding the incident and status of resources;
			b.	maintaining an event log/journal, posting data and maintain status boards;
			c.	analysis of the predictable probable course of emergency incident events;
			d.	the development of action plans and alternatives to control operations for the incident; and
			e.	anticipation of resource requirements
		4.	The Logistics Group, under the direction of the Emergency Management Coordinator and consisting of the representatives of emergency support agencies (i.e. shelter and mass care, public works, communications, etc.), 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.
		5.	The Finance Group, under the direction of the County Finance Officer, 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.
IV.	ORGANIZATION AND ASSIGNMENT OF RESPONSIBILITIES
	A.	Organization
		1.	The onset of an emergency adds to the normal day-to-day role of existing agencies and organizations within the county in order to protect the population and property. Where possible, the emergency responsibilities in this plan have been assigned similar to the day-to-day responsibilities of the agencies/organizations. See Appendix 1, Direction and Control Organization.
		2.	Through the County Emergency Management Agency, the County Board of Commissioners exercises its emergency responsibilities during emergencies and disasters to provide for the health and safety of the public.
		3.	The Emergency Management Coordinator is appointed in accordance with county personnel policy to manage the County Emergency Management program.
		4.	When activated, the EOC serves as a central, coordinating point for obtaining, analyzing, reporting and retaining disaster related information.
		5.	The first arriving emergency response official with two-way communications capability will establish the initial (on-scene) Incident Command System (ICS) and will serve as the Incident Commander. The IC will follow guidelines outlined in Alexander County's Incident Management System Plan.
		6.	For long-term emergency/disaster situations, the "Incident Commander" will be designated by the on-scene senior official of the emergency response agencies, or by the County EOC (when activated) based on the type, nature, or location of the incident.
		7.	In situations where the disaster effects are widespread (many incident sites), the EOC may select to establish the county fire districts or any other distinguishable boundaries as the "incident site" in order to achieve a manageable span of control. Reference Appendix 1, Direction and Control Incident Command System.
		8.	A single "Command Post" will be established near the scene of each emergency/disaster situation by the Incident Commander. Senior officials of the emergency agencies involved in the emergency response will report to this facility to afford optimum coordination. This facility will serve as the central command and control point for all on-scene resources, and will disseminate pertinent situation information and resource request to the County EOC.
	B.	Responsibilities
		1.	Chairman, Board of Commissioners/Mayor
			a.	Perform direction, control, coordination, and policy-making functions as necessary to provide for optimum protection of public health and safety within the jurisdiction.
			b.	Issue and distribute as appropriate, a local proclamation declaring a State of Emergency or terminating the State of Emergency.
		2.	County Manager/Town Manager
			a.	Ensure agencies update their annexes to the Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) and develop internal Standard Operating Procedures (SOGs) as necessary.
			b.	Ensure regular drills and exercises are conducted to test the functions of the EOP.
			c.	Implement direction, control, coordination, and policy-making functions as necessary to provide for optimum protection of public health and safety within the jurisdiction, including management of the Emergency Operations Center.
			d.	Implement emergency policies/ordinances as appropriate on behalf of the governing body.
		3.	Emergency Management Coordinator
			a.	Coordinate the development and update of the Emergency Operations Plan.
			b.	Develop and maintain a functional EOC. Select and equip an alternate EOC and/or mobile communications unit.
			c.	Ensure that a system is developed and implemented to manage information (including internal messages) pertaining to the emergency situation and disseminate it to other levels of government, the public and private sector.
			d.	Acquire maps, status boards and other display devices for the EOC which identify high hazard areas and pre-selected control/monitoring points.
			e.	Ensure that an events log (casualty and health concerns, property damage, fire status, size of risk area, scope of hazard, number of evacuees, radiation dose, etc.) is compiled and displayed in the EOC throughout the duration of the emergency.
			f.	Provide for acquisition/stocking of food, water supplies, and other equipment as necessary for the effective operation of the EOC staff.
			g.	Provide for acquisition/stocking of EOC administrative supplies and equipment.
			h.	Identify personnel/agencies having resources to support EOC operations.
			i.	Develop a schedule for testing, maintaining and repairing EOC and other emergency equipment.
			j.	Develop and maintain the EOC Standard Operating Guidelines including an upgrade activation checklist and notification/recall roster.
			k.	Arrange for training and exercising of EOC staff.
			l.	Alert staff and activate EOC (for 24-hour coverage if necessary) when notified of potential/emergency situations.
			m.	Ensure that EOC staff acknowledge and authenticate reports.
			m.	Ensure staff and official’s briefings are conducted periodically during the emergency.
			n.	Establish and maintain coordination with other jurisdictional EOCs as appropriate.
			o.	Establish and maintain contact and coordination with North Carolina Emergency Management.
			p.	Provide for adequate coordination of recovery activities among private, state, and federal agencies/organizations.
			q.	After return to normal EOC operation, ensure equipment is restored to a “ready” condition and EOC supplies are replenished.
		4.	Agency/Jurisdiction EOC Representatives
			a.	Report to the EOC and ensure continuous representation throughout activation.
			b.	Provide support personnel and services to the EOC as appropriate/necessary.
			c.	Ensure all information related to the emergency/disaster situation is coordinated with other agencies/organizations.
			d.	Ensure agency staff are secured to provide for 24-hour operation.
		5.	Communications Director
			a.	Ensure off-duty/volunteer communications staff can be recalled on short notice to supplement on-duty personnel.
			b.	Ensure information pertinent to the emergency/disaster situation is provided to the EOC staff via hard copy.
			c.	Develop and maintain an inventory of radio frequencies, communications equipment, call signs, etc. of other EOCs and communications resources to supplement local resources.
			d.	Develop and maintain equipment, methods and procedures for communications between the EOC and on-scene emergency resources.
			e.	Establish procedures to control two-way radio communications between the EOC and other forces, such as hospitals, ambulance dispatch points and amateur communications networks.
		6.	Sheriff
			In addition to functions/duties assigned in the Basic Plan:
			a.	Provide for adequate EOC security.
			b.	Provide backup communications for EOC through mobile units.
			c.	Provide transportation for EOC personnel under emergency conditions, as warranted/necessary.
		7.	Incident Commander (IC) – (on-scene)
			a.	Obtain incident briefing from prior incident commander.
			b	Assess incident situation.
			c.	Conduct initial briefing.
			d.	Activate elements of the incident command system.
			e.	Brief command staff and section chiefs.
			f.	Ensure planning meetings are conducted.
			g.	Approve and authorize implementation of the incident action plan.
			h.	Determine information needs and inform command personnel of needs.
			i.	Coordinate staff activity.
			j.	Manage on-site incident operations.
			k.	Approve requests for additional resources and requests for releases of resources.
			l.	Approve the use of trainees on the incident.
			m.	Authorize release of information to the news media.
			n.	Ensure periodic status reports are completed and forwarded to the EOC.
			o.	Approve plan demobilization.
V.	DIRECTION AND CONTROL
	A.	The responsibility for the direction and control of the disaster situations is vested in the County Board of Commissioners and is routinely exercised through the appointed County Manager.
	B.	The EOC is the operational area from which emergency response activities are directed, controlled and coordinated and utilizes the facilities of the County Communications Center and other available communications resources.
	C.	The mechanics of the EOC operation are contained in the EOC Standard Operating Guidelines. (SOGs).
VI.	CONTINUITY OF GOVERNMENT
	A.	Staffing assignments for positions in the EOC will allow for continuous 24-hour operations. Selection and assignment of personnel will be the responsibility of the agency.
	B,	In the event that the primary EOC is not functional, the alternate EOC will be activated.
VII.	ADMINISTRATION AND LOGISTICS
	A.	The EOC is operated and maintained on a day-to-day basis by the Emergency Communications Department. Furnishings, equipment and communications necessary for the operations staff, and expendable supplies and displays necessary for disaster operations will be provided through the Emergency Management Office.
	B.	The mechanics of upgrade activation, arranging and internal functioning of the EOC are contained in the EOC SOGs.
VIII.	PLAN DEVELOPMENT AND MAINTENANCE
	A.	The EOC SOGs will address staffing, activation, internal functions and administrative and logistical support.
	B.	Operational plans and procedures will be developed by service chiefs and department heads to support both this plan and the activities of their department in the EOC.
	C.	Periodic review and amendment of this plan will be identified in the plan by signature and change of the approval date of the plan. This action will be accomplished at least annually.
IX.	AUTHORITIES AND REFERENCES
	A.	North Carolina Emergency Management Act of 1977 as amended, NC G.S.166A-1, et. Seq.
	B.	Alexander County Emergency Management Ordinances
	C.	Local Government Emergency Planning (CPG 1-8)
	D.	Emergency Operating Centers Handbook (CPG 1-20)

APPENDIX 1

EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

FOR INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM

ADMINISTRATIVE COMMAND

CHAIRMAN of the BOARD / COUNTY MANAGER

INCIDENT COMMANDER

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

*	City / County Elected Officials	*	Emergency Medical
*	City / Town Managers	*	Law Enforcement
*	Finance	*	Rescue
*	Purchasing	*	Communications
*	Public Information	*	Fire Services
		*	Volunteer resources (Red Cross / Salvation Army)
		*	State Response resources
		*	Federal Response Resources
		*	All other resources not listed under