Emergency Operations Plan
9.0 Emergency Operations Center
The Emergency Operations Center serves as the central location for resource coordination, situation assessment, and operational management of a major emergency or disaster. The physical location of the primary Emergency Operations Center is the University Police Conference Room, located on the second level of the Rivers Street Parking Deck on Rivers Street.
The Emergency Management Coordinator, in coordination with other University officials, will identify and maintain alternate emergency operations centers that may be utilized during an incident where the primary is inaccessible or damaged.
EOC Activation Levels
- Level IV - Routine operations, comparable to a normal University Condition.
- Level III - Minimal staffing, may include limited personnel to monitor a situation or assist in planning and logistics for the on-scene Incident Command System.
- Level II - Some staffing to support an expanding on-scene Incident Command System and provide communication to and from the Executive Group.
- Level I - Fully activated, includes staffing with the Emergency Operations Center Group as activated by the Executive Group.
The Emergency Management Coordinator will serve as the EOC Manager during a major emergency or disaster and ensure the continuity of EOC operations.
The Emergency Management Coordinator or the Director of University Police may open the Emergency Operations center for situational monitoring or limited operations. The decision to staff the EOC with the EOC Group will be made by the Executive Group following the recommendation of the EOC Manager.
During incidents that utilize the on-scene incident command model the EOC may serve as a central coordination point for resource allocation and general planning. The EOC Manager will notify the Executive Group if the activation of the EOC Group if necessary for extended operations.
All University departments must submit their requests for external resources to the EOC. The EOC is the single point for coordination with the Watauga County Emergency Operations Center and the North Carolina Emergency Operations Center.
EOC Operations
Set-Up
The EOC Manager is responsible for setting-up the EOC, including but not limited to computers, telephones, expendables, forms, etc.
Direction and Control
The EOC Manager or his/her designee is responsible for the direction and control of the EOC.
Documentation
All personnel reporting the EOC will be expected to sign-in and out to document their position in the incident.
All personnel operating in the EOC will maintain documented actions using appropriate Incident Command System forms.
For extended incidents or planned events, the EOC will publish and disseminate a written Incident Action Plan and Situation Report at least once every operational period.
EOC Demobilization
As the incident lessens in scope, the EOC Manager may reduce staffing in the EOC based on situational need. The EOC shall remain in operation until the University is placed in normal condition.
EOC Readiness
The EOC Manager is expected to ensure EOC readiness at all times.
