Idaho State University - Emergency Response and Recovery Plan

   Chapter 5: Emergency Operations Center (EOC)

5.1     EOC Location

In accordance with standard emergency management system planning, Idaho State University has established the ISU Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in the Pond Student Union Ballroom Lounge or the Pond Student Union Salmon River Suite. ISU Public Safety (Bldg. 27) has been designated as an alternate EOC site.  As outlined in this plan, the EOC will serve as the center for emergency management and response operations.

Sample EOC Equipment List:

    1.    Cellular Phone
    2.    Telephones: handsets, lines, switchboard
    3.    Fax Machine
    4.    Copy Machine
    5.    Public Address System
    6.    Television/VCR
    7.    Weather Radio
    8.    Computer Terminals
    9.    Typewriters/word processors
    10.    Surge Protectors
    11.    Tables and Chairs
    12.    Markers and Display Boards
    13.    Overhead with Screen
    14.    Flip Chart Easel & Pad
    15.    Bulletin Boards
    16.    Reference Materials (blueprints, maps, etc.)
    17.    AudioPack
    18.    Two-Way Radio Network (stationary & portable/handheld) with the ability to communicate with:
        •    Public Safety
        •    Facility Services
        •    Bannock County EOC
        •    Pocatello Fire Department
        •    Pocatello & Chubbuck Police Departments
    19.    First Aid Kit
    20.    Bottled Water
    21.    Materials/supplies to make identification cards., (i.e. pens, pads, tape, etc).
    22.    Miscellaneous Office supplies (i.e., staplers, staples, staple pullers, envelopes of various sizes, paper clips, push pins, masking/scotch tape, pencils, pens assorted colors, assorted rubber bands, binders, writing pads, note pads, etc.)


5.2    Field Emergency Operations Center

If the emergency involves only one building or a small part of the campus, a Public Safety vehicle is to be placed as near the emergency scene as is reasonably possible.  At least one uniformed Public Safety officer and a dispatcher is to staff the operations center at all times or until the emergency ends.  A small office with a desk, chairs, and a telephone may also be required near the scene.

    Public Safety will supply the Field Emergency Operations Center with equipment to include:

    1.    Barricades, barrier tape, and signs for the scene.
    2.    Two portable hand radios.
    3.    Portable public address system.
    4.    First aid kit.
    5.    Campus telephone directory and local telephone directory to include Yellow Pages.

5.3    EOC Activation

When an emergency occurs, the President will determine if the EOC is to be activated.  If activated, the President, along with the Incident Commander,  will determine which positions will be staffed for the emergency response. Persons who are assigned as EOC staff should respond in person or call Public Safety at 208-282-2515 to confirm the EOC is activated.  Whenever the EOC is activated the City of Pocatello will be notified at 208-234-6100, to facilitate coordination and the process for requesting resources.

The EOC Master Log (Table 1) will be maintained to provide a record of all major events, decisions and messages. Copies are to be forwarded to the Situation Status group and or the Incident Commander.

The EOC Activation List (Table 2) provides a checklist for use in the setup and activation of the EOC. It is to be used by the first person to arrive and forwarded to the Incident Commander when completed. Not all steps will be necessary in a partial activation.

5.4    EOC Positions and Space Assignment

This plan is designed to be flexible. The size, staffing and equipping of the EOC will depend on the magnitude and complexity of the emergency. The President, along with the Incident Commander, will determine which positions are needed and notify the appropriate staff (refer to Table 3, ISU Emergency Response Assignments for staff assignments). All positions should be prepared to report to and operate from the EOC during a full-scale activation, even though all may not be needed. Staff should be prepared to bring their own radios, cellular phones and other items necessary to carry out emergency assignments.


5.5    EOC Access

Access to the EOC is only for authorized ISU personnel.  All others must obtain approval for admission from the President or Incident Commander.  All personnel working in the EOC are to sign in and out on the EOC Roster (Table 4), which will be located on a table at the door.

5.6    EOC After Action Reports

1.    Requirements and Regulations

The completion of an After Action Report is part of the required ICS reporting process.

2.    Functions of After Action Reports

An After Action Report serves the following important functions:

        •    Source for documentation of response or drill activities.
        •    Identification of problems/successes during emergency or training operations.
        •    Analysis of the effectiveness of ICS components.
        •    Describes and defines a plan of action for implementing improvements.

3.    Responsibility for After Action Reports

The university office in command (or designee) of the emergency or exercise will be responsible for completing the After Action Report. Other members of the ICS organization may also be required to complete reports respective to their assignment. The university official will distribute the report as needed.

4.    Contents of After Action Reports

A.  After Action Report Outline

• Introduction and Background.
• Type/location of event/drill/exercise.
• Chronological summary of event/drill/exercise.
  
• Response from outside emergency services (as appropriate): Include a summary, conclusions, the field response, and other local, operational area, regional, state or federal response.
• Interacting Systems, Agencies and Programs: Include mutual aid systems (law enforcement, fire/rescue, medical, etc.); cooperating agencies (utilities, Red Cross, university departments, etc.); telecommunications and media interactions.
• Improvements, Conclusions, Recommendations: As applicable, include a description of actions taken, assignments, associated costs or budget, timetable for completion or correction, and follow-up responsibility.
  
• Training needs.
  
• Recovery Activities (as applicable).
  
• References: Maps, charts, training materials, etc.

B.  After Action Report Supporting Documents

Many types of documentation might be included. Some recommended types include the following:
            ▸    Action plans written during operational activities or training exercises.
            ▸    ICS/EOC Forms.
            ▸    Unit activity logs and journals.
            ▸    Written messages.
            ▸    Function and position checklists.
            ▸    Public information and media reports.
            ▸    FEMA-developed forms.
            ▸    Other forms or documents used during an emergency or training exercise.

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