Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) is normally activated at the request of the Incident Commander or senior municipal officials to provide overall jurisdictional direction and control, coordination and resource support. The City of Abbotsford Emergency Program EOC utilize the
British Columbia Emergency Response Management System (BCERMS) principles for organizing and managing EOC operations and activities. By using BCERMS five functional elements an EOC operates more effectively and consistently with its regional and provincial counterparts.
An EOC normally turns to the Provincial Regional Emergency Operations Centre (PREOC) for support when all of their resources are exhausted or they require coordination that is outside of their jurisdiction.
When an EOC is activated, local authorities may establish a policy group comprised of the head of the local authority (e.g., Mayor) and other elected officials and senior executive officers in order to provide the EOC Director with policy direction. An example of this level of policy direction is the declaration of a “state of local emergency.”
The Five Emergency Operations Centre Functions:
| Management Section |
Responsible for overall emergency policy and coordination; public information and media relations; agency liaison; and proper risk management procedures, through the joint efforts of local government agencies and private organizations.
|
| Operations Section |
Responsible for coordinating all jurisdictional operations and support of the emergency response through implementation of the jurisdictions action plan.
|
| Planning Section |
Responsible for collecting, evaluating, and disseminating information;
developing the jurisdictions action plan and situational status in coordination with other functions; maintaining all EOC documentation.
|
| Logistics Section |
Responsible for providing facilities, service, personnel, equipment and materials
|
| Finance/Administration Section |
Responsible for financial activities and other administrative aspects.
|
Emergency Operations Centre Activation Levels
Emergency Operations Centre Organization Charts
Declaring State of Local Emergency