Emergency Management

The “War Room” or Command Center:  A board room layout with a custom made command table capable of seating up to 18 representatives from various city departments and community organizations.  The table was designed with technology in mind.  Connections for phone, computer, audio, and video are available via built-in receptacles.  The table is situated around the media wall, which can accommodate multiple inputs from several types of media devices.  The media wall consists of three (3) 42-inch plasma televisions, flanked on the right by four (4) 19-inch LCD monitors shared by the Public Information Officers (PIO’s), and on the left by two (2) 19-inch LCD monitors dedicated to “Hurrevac” hurricane tracking, GIS mapping, and live Department of Transportation (DOT) camera feeds.  Any of the peripheral monitors, as well as the linked networking stations at the command table, can be fed to the main monitors for discussion if needed.

The Conference Room:  Developed out of necessity, this room is available as a break out / conference room.  Often times, the Incident Commander may need to escape the controlled madness of the command center to discuss policy issues with department directors and city leaders.  This room allows for separation without seclusion.  One wall of the room has large windows that allow for continued connection to the events in the command center.  There is also a 42-inch plasma monitor that displays the image from the main command center monitor.  Separate controls and inputs also allow for the users to view media of their choice if needed.    

ARES/RACES Radio Room:  Separated from the command center, but still connected to the events that are unfolding, this room is situated opposite the media wall.  With visibility into the command room through the many windows, amateur radio operators maintain communication throughout the state.  The room was designed with the assistance of the operators to provide the greatest usability possible.  These operators have technical backgrounds that enable them to provide valuable services on a strictly volunteer basis.  These operators play a crucial role by keeping the EOC informed of breaking issues during emergency responses.

Storage / Server room:  This room houses the two (2) large server racks that support the EOC, a plotter capable of printing large city maps, a mobile computer cart with computers for the command table work stations, and several rolling racks stocked with bottled water and meals ready to eat (MRE’s). 

Kitchen and break room:  The fully functional kitchen is equipped with all the comforts of home:  a refrigerator/freezer, range, microwave, sink, and dishwasher.  The adjacent break room offers a location to get away from the command center, yet still remain connected via phone and network hook-ups.