Planning for a new Emergency Operations Center (EOC) can present many challenges. Unlike a library, recreational venue, or park, typically there is little public support / advocacy for such a facility. This process is challenging and best accomplished carefully, with a great deal of thought. The recent renewed public support for these vital community facilities is very encouraging. Much of the support for fulfilling such facility needs is based on enhanced awareness of natural or man-made events around the world today, which has been garnering a great deal of public interest and concern. Earthquakes, storms, acts of terrorism, and the recent pandemic are events that are constantly brought to the attention of the public, specifically those individuals that you will need to have as a part of your advocacy group when you elect to proceed.
Whether you are a large or small entity, you need an EOC. Over the years, we have found that obtaining such a facility requires a detailed plan. Simply stated, you should first fund a preliminary space needs study that defines size, cost, location, and outlines the need. Once the study has defined the need, bring this study to the attention of your elected officials. Consider having one of them be made more familiar with and becoming and advocate for the need. This is generally not a short process, and in many respects, it is like a campaign. But remember the goal is a new and fully functional EOC.
There are distinct differences in the size of a facility for a large jurisdiction and that of a smaller community, primarily based on funding opportunities and constraints. In many respects, larger jurisdictions clearly have greater funding capabilities, while smaller jurisdictions have many needs for funding, with competing demands for scarce resources.
For smaller entities, we recommend careful attention to a new / emerging trend, joint-use facilities. Consider placing the EOC in a new or existing police facility, fire administration complex, or fire station. Given that you are included in the process before final design of such a facility, you can greatly benefit in the adjacent functional areas that would not be financially doable for a stand-alone facility. If there are already restrooms, mechanical equipment rooms, security systems, sleeping rooms, and points of access and egress, and these spaces are to normally be provided and not charged to you, then your opportunities are greatly improved.
Larger jurisdictions, with a significantly enhanced tax base, can normally fund a stand-alone EOC, given the political will. These are costly facilities to be sure, but when needed, there will be few who challenge the cost. In fact, the advent of an “event” may be the best time to consider such a facility. As they say, “opportunity strikes.”
We would also suggest that you seek out and encourage public support, identifying individuals who could be appointed to be an advisory group. Be conscious of who you ask to be on such a committee and make sure, above all, that you have the support or agreement of your city manager or county administrator. Then meet with this group and tell them about the goal, establish the need, and ask for their support.
If you have a facility, take them to it and show them the inadequacies. Then show them new facilities in the area and explain the functional requirements. When educated, they will become your advocates – a public group that will have influence with your elected officials when their support is needed.
The typical EOC will be expensive and should be planned and designed to accommodate appropriate technology, while allowing for the facility to evolve along with future technology innovations. For example, 20 years ago, who would have anticipated the impact of drone technology, which provides an immediate eye-in-the-sky capability. With that in mind, your new facility, be it large or small, should be budgeted for basic building costs as well as current and future technological requirements.
For purposes of planning, we suggest a cost of $350-$500 per square foot, when “bricks and mortar” and technology are included. Remember that elected officials do not like or appreciate financial surprises, so be very upfront about real costs.
As noted, start the process with a “preliminary space needs assessment.” Have this done by an entity with significant previous experience with this specialized facility type.
A great example of agencies benefiting from this process is Hillsborough County, Florida – facing the need for a new and large EOC. They conducted a comprehensive mock activation, with the support and participation of the news media, county departments, and all the various entities that are involved in an activation for an emergency. The county commission participated in the activation event and it went on for hours, feeling as real as an activation could be. It was tense and full of drama as news videos illustrated a major storm striking the coast.
At the conclusion of this activation, there was a clear understanding by all involved as to how much a new EOC was needed – and the planning process began. Ultimately, ADG was selected by the county to provide programming services, site selection, master planning services, a design criteria package, and perform peer review services during the construction of the new EOC. Completed in 2017, this facility totals 84,500 SF and is located outside the hurricane evacuation zone, above the 500-year flood plain. This process may not work for all entities but they key is to start the process – start it now.
Updated: 2020. Click here to view the original publication.
