What is the primary function of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC)?

The primary function of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is to coordinate response and recovery activities during emergencies, including those involving hazardous materials incidents. The EOC serves as a central command and control facility that brings together representatives from various agencies and stakeholders to ensure a unified and efficient response to crises.

In situations involving hazardous materials, it’s crucial that the response is well-coordinated to protect public health and safety, mitigate risks, and facilitate recovery efforts. The EOC provides the necessary infrastructure for effective communication, decision-making, resource allocation, and situational awareness, all of which are vital during an emergency.

While other functions, such as storing hazardous materials, monitoring environmental impacts, and training for hazardous materials handling, are important within the broader context of hazardous materials management, they do not capture the comprehensive and overarching role of the EOC in emergency situations. Therefore, the EOC's primary focus is on orchestrating the overall emergency response and recovery efforts.