ER 220 - Emergency Operations Center Management and ICS Interface

Credit Hours: 3

An introduction to the design, operation, and management of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC). The following topics are covered and examined: EOC location and physical design; technology in the EOC; EOC functional and space layouts; financing the EOC; organization and staffing of the EOC; creating and maintaining a climate for cooperation and communication in the EOC; and creation of job aids and standard operating procedures (SOPs).

Emphasis is placed in developing an effective interface between the Incident Command and the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) by applying Incident Command System (ICS) principles. A performance-based approach that emphasizes the learning activities, consisting of a series of exercises to allow activation, operation and de-activation of the EOC at the SUNY Erie Multi-Scenario Simulator is utilized.

Course Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

explain the relationship between EOC operations and the National Incident Management System (NIMS) requirements;
describe the role that EOCs play in overall multiagency coordination;
describe the relationship between the EOC and the on-scene Incident Command System (ICS) structure;
identify staffing, information, systems, and equipment needs at the EOC;
identify potential alternate locations suitable for EOC operations should the primary EOC facility become inoperable;
develop a test, training, and exercise plan for critical EOC operations;
develop a strategy and schedule for reviewing EOC resource requirements and technology needs;
conduct briefings, exercises, and evaluations;
identify the roles of ICS and EOC during emergency operations;
apply ICS/EOC interface concepts in an exercise situation; and
develop an ICS/EOC interface action plan for your community.

Prerequisites: ER 210, ER 211
S (C, S)