21st Century FEMA Course Manuals - Emergency Operation Center (EOC) Design, Operations, Management (IS-275) Policies, Procedures, Glossary, Guide (Ringbound)

This vital Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) training course manual is one of the series of influential FEMA documents providing crucial material on disasters and emergency response. This manual covers the role of the Emergency Operation Center (EOC) in community preparedness, response, and recovery activities. This independent study course is geared toward persons who have responsibility for management and operations of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC). It is a prerequisite for enrollment in the EOC Management and Operations course. This independent study course is intended to provide a general introduction to the role of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), the emergency manager s responsibilities, the roles and responsibilities of the person(s) responsible for EOC management and operations. It also provides an overview of the types of standard operating procedures required for effective EOC operations. It is expected that participants will have some general knowledge of emergency management. However, experience in managing an EOC is not a requirement for this course. This course contains three modules, a glossary, a resource section, a curriculum guide, and a final examination. Module 1: The Role of the Emergency Operations Center describes the functions of the EOC, identifies considerations regarding EOC staffing, identifies minimum EOC resource requirements, and describes the physical characteristics of an EOC. Module 2: EOC Management and Operations: Roles and Responsibilities describes the roles and responsibilities of the person(s) responsible for EOC management and operations. Module 3: Developing EOC Policies and Procedures provides essential information on the requirements of policies and standard operating procedures for communications systems, life support systems, operating equipment and supplies, memorandums of understanding, and records and documentation retention for EOC operations. The glossary, located at the end of the final module, contains definitions of terms related to EOC management and operations. The glossary may be consulted while you are reading the modules, or may be read separately. A resource section is included to help you continue learning after you have completed the course. It consists of a list of references and other recommended courses. A curriculum guide is included to help you locate other courses that may be helpful in learning about specific aspects of the emergency manager s job, such as telecommunications and warning systems. Contents include: Foreword * Introduction * Module 1: The Role of the Emergency Operations Center * Module 2: EOC Management and Operations: Roles and Responsibilities * Module 3: Developing EOC Policies and Procedures * Glossary * Resources * References * Curriculum Guide * Appendix A: Sample Hazard Vulnerability Analysis * Answer Key * Final Examination Four Phases of Emergency Management - Emergency management is the process of coordinating available resources to deal with emergencies effectively, thereby saving lives, avoiding injury, and minimizing economic loss. Major emergencies or disasters can cover several jurisdictions and may require large-scale government and voluntary agency response. When an emergency threatens, hundreds to thousands of people may need to be warned and protected. Emergency services must be ready to care for the injured and to give shelter to those who cannot remain in their homes. Communications systems must be in place, and someone must direct the response activities. There must be ways to assess the damage caused by the emergency, to return people safely to their homes after the danger has passed, and to help people and businesses return to normal as soon as possible. Efforts must be made to increase safety in the face of future emergencies.