During a disaster, city, county, and state agencies need the ability to coordinate their responses in real-time. When safety, lives, and property are on the line, every second counts.
To make matters more challenging, natural disasters or other events may damage or otherwise disable terrestrial means of communication. How can first responders and other public safety officials ensure they always have access to reliable, rapid communication and interoperability between agencies? By utilizing a well-equipped Emergency Operations Center (EOC).
What is an Emergency Operations Center (EOC)?
An EOC provides a secure, centralized location for teams to coordinate relief efforts and dispatch resources for any event threatening the community, including floods, fires, earthquakes, terrorist attacks, or disease outbreaks.
EOCs typically have four primary functions:
- Information collection, analysis, and distribution
- Resource support, including allocation and tracking
- Plan coordination and assessment
- In some cases, providing policy direction and coordination
EOCs operate similarly to an operations center (or a command-and-control center), however, unlike an operations center designed for a single organization, EOCs often serve as a central command center for a multi-disciplinary team. The buildings house everything needed for emergency response, from personnel and equipment to the latest in communication technology. This allows the team to handle not only on-the-ground relief efforts but also to field incoming crisis communications, such as press inquiries or calls from concerned citizens.
Design a Fully Equipped EOC at any Scale with Remote Satellite Systems
Regardless of whether it’s a global pandemic or a natural disaster, reliable communication is essential for dealing with a public health crisis quickly and effectively. An EOC may be one of the most critical investments local governments and public safety agencies can make.
Remote Satellite Systems has worked with state and local agencies for decades to design EOCs that not only meet their current needs but also continue to provide reliable, cutting-edge backup LTE, cellular and satellite communication solutions and coordination well into the future.
For example, our team was contacted to design a redundant system that allowed for robust and reliable satellite communication in the San Francisco Public Safety Building at Mission Bay. We began by implementing an integrated communications suite within the command center, opting for a 1.8-meter Ku-Band VSAT antenna positioned on the roof of the building. When the system senses terrestrial communication systems have been disrupted, emergency personnel can immediately deploy redundant, simultaneous satellite voice and data capability throughout the building. Additionally, the implementation of regional and statewide talk groups provides interoperability and redundant lines of communication to out-of-area emergency responders, allowing for coordinated relief efforts state and nationwide.
Whether you’re planning to construct a new EOC or renovate an existing one, Remote Satellite Systems’ turnkey services make it easy to stay connected at all times, in every situation. While developing your EOC, we’ll consider every factor, including the size of your team, current communication challenges, future needs, and the types of events you’ll be monitoring and coordinating. We’ll also ensure your EOC is equipped with the latest satellite technology, which will be fully integrated with in-building network wiring and LAN management. In addition, your team will receive full documentation and training, as well as ongoing support for the life of your equipment.
From planning and implementation to consulting and training, Remote Satellite Systems specializes in finding the best communications solutions to meet your requirements, resources, and budget. For more information on planning, implementing, or renovating your EOC with the latest communication technology, call Remote Satellite Systems today at 1-888-989-8199 or contact us online.