Bedford County Emergency Operations Center

The Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is the central location from which response and recovery activities are coordinated during a major emergency or disaster.

Direction and control
Management of information and data
Coordination
Priority setting
Public information
Resource management

The key function of the EOC is to ensure that those responders working in the field have the resources needed to carry out their assignments. It allows decision-makers to operate in one place to coordinate and communicate with support staff.

The EOC does not provide on-scene management. Tactical direction and control rests with the Incident Commander(s) in the field, from local fire or law enforcement. The EOC manages the overall event through several key functions:

The Bedford County EOC is located at the Bedford County Emergency Management Agency headquarters. Bedford County Emergency Management Agency (BCEMA) is responsible for maintaining and operating the EOC.

The Emergency Operations Center is generally activated at a “Minimal Staffing” level, with Emergency Management staff. When fully activated to perform its management and coordination role, several personnel from across Bedford County staff the EOC in Emergency Support Functions (ESFs) alongside the Emergency Management Director and staff. Individuals from the following Essential Support Functions may be called upon to fulfill a critical role in the EOC:

Transportation
Communications
Public Works & Engineering
Fire Services
Emergency Management and Planning
Mass Care, Emergency Assistance, Temporary Housing, and Human Services
Logistics & General Services
Public Health and Medical Services
Search and Rescue
Oil and Hazardous Materials
Agriculture and Natural Resources Annex
Energy
Public Safety and Security
Long Term Community Recovery
External Affairs

EOC Level:

Bedford County Emergency Operations Center