Response

Emergency Operations Center:

The Seminole County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is the central command and coordination point for disaster preparedness, training, response, and recovery efforts for the County. The purpose of the EOC is to provide a centralized and specialized location to communicate, organize and manage natural or man-made disasters and make strategic decisions necessary to protect the residents and property of Seminole County.

The EOC is staffed with personnel and equipment necessary to properly manage significant events. This includes the 3,525 square foot main room with two attached breakout rooms. In addition, there are multiple EOC support rooms including a Policy Room, a Joint Information Center, two conference rooms, and a Citizen Information Hotline (3-1-1) call center. Seminole County’s EOC is organized using the National Incident Management System (NIMS) guidelines into Command and General Staff, 20 Emergency Support Functions (ESF) and Municipal Branch. Each provide staffing to improve communication and coordination during times of emergency.

Emergency Operations Center Systems:

To ensure all of the available information is transmitted into the EOC, the main room is equipped state of the art, computerized audio-visual equipment, Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping software, interoperable communications, traffic monitoring, satellite technology for redundant communications, and video cameras for live EOC streaming during activations. The room is also equipped with an emergency management resources tracking computer software. The integration of all of these information and communications systems provides an essential on-site decision making platform plus an excellent training room for various applications. In the event of large scale disaster, the EOC is equipped with two backup generators, potable water for drinking, shower facilities, and dormitories.

Communication / Collaboration:

The Seminole County EOC is co-located with Seminole County’s Emergency Communication Center. The Office of Emergency Management and the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office operate a countywide E-911 system for unincorporated Seminole County and the seven municipalities. Interoperable communications is critical during a crisis event. Seminole County operates systems that will interface with all radio bands.

State Watch Office / Warning Point:

Seminole County Office of Emergency Management coordinates response and coordination with the Florida Division of Emergency Management. All mass casualty, large scale, environmental, or technological events require coordination from State, Federal and local responders. The Office of Emergency Management manages the mobilization of these resources.

Emergency Warning / Notification:

Seminole County Office of Emergency Management coordinates emergency warning and notifications through a multi-modal approach including, but not limited to NOAA weather radios, Civil Emergency Messages, Emergency Broadcast System, Emergency Alert System, electronic text/media notification, cable interrupt, and reverse calling systems. Seminole County Office of Emergency Management funds a reverse answering system to notify citizens of threats prior to a disaster. These warnings are sent via telephone to groups using GIS mapping or the entire County.

Storm Ready Designation:

The National Weather Service in Melbourne awarded Seminole County the designation of "STORMREADY". This nationwide program assesses the capability of a community to receive and disseminate severe weather information.

The designation is only granted to communities who have established a high degree of readiness for natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods.

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For more information on operations contact:
Aaron Funk
Operations Manager
Office of Emergency Management
150 Bush Boulevard
Sanford, FL 32773
407-665-5117