When the going gets tough…….

The tough activate their Emergency Operations Center (EOC).   An EOC is a place where senior government officials collocate with response partners to jointly manage large emergencies and disasters.   With a focus on coordination, collaboration, cooperation and communication EOCs support first responders in the field and help set priorities, allocate resources, and track response actions and costs.

The City of Kansas City, Missouri has just completed an almost half a million dollar upgrade to their EOC technology.   The impressive 7,000 square foot facility is leveraging cutting edge technology to improve and expand situational awareness while ensuring deep redundancy for critical systems.   When other facilities are shut down due to loss of systems and infrastructure the KCMO EOC can still operate strong.

In addition to the critical work done responding and recovering from major emergencies and disasters, the Emergency Management Office oversees a robust preparedness program including training and outreach for city personnel and the public, developing and conducting exercises, and running a vibrant Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program of over 500 volunteers. 

 Not only is Emergency Management’s work targeted to the citizens of Kansas City, Missouri but they have a strong role in regional planning, coordinating, and preparing.  Whether you’re involved in emergency response or just curious about what happens behind the scenes with city government during a disaster the tour of the KCMO Emergency Operations Center and discussion with the staff is for you.