EOC preparedness: Are we ready?

Mario Lattanzio, BSE; Danny Peterson, PhD, CEM

doi:10.5055/jem.2005.0065

Authors

Mario Lattanzio, BSE
Danny Peterson, PhD, CEM

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5055/jem.2005.0065

Keywords:

emergency, response, command center, disaster simulation

Abstract

Emergency operations centers (EOCs) are extremely important facilities for responding to and recovering from various disasters. With the dramatic increase of available technology, EOC operations have evolved well beyond the days of dial telephones and paper messaging. The question addressed in this study is whether we are doing enough to ensure that this critically important emergency-management (EM) function is operating at peak performance. A survey was used to collect data from EM agencies across the United States. Based on the results of this survey, the authors concluded that designing and developing an EOC simulator might enhance US preparedness efforts.

Author Biographies

Mario Lattanzio, BSE

Arizona State University, Arizona.

Danny Peterson, PhD, CEM

Professor, Environmental Technology Management, Arizona State University, Mesa, Arizona.

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