Intra-operational area coordination: the zone EOC concept

Abstract

This thesis highlights the limitations of the existing one-to-one intra-operational area (OA) emergency operations center (EOC) coordination model during catastrophic disasters. In addition, it establishes a clear need for a more effective alternate model and offers an alternative, multilateral collaborative model solution—the zone EOC concept. Designed to enable manageable span of control and address shortages in available trained EOC personnel, the zone EOC concept involves establishing consolidated EOCs to represent geographic zones that encompass multiple cities, townships, and special districts within an OA. When activated, the zone EOCs would coordinate with an OA EOC on behalf of their constituent jurisdictions within each zone. The thesis provides a detailed outline and analysis of the zone EOC concept and its various elements in the context of the San Mateo County OA and notes key aspects for successful adoption and implementation. The portability and applicability of the zone EOC concept in other OAs in the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond is also considered and further exploration is recommended.