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 Seminole County EOC is to provide a centralized and specialized location to communicate, organize and manage natural or manmade 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. The 3,525 square foot main room provides the working space for personnel to carry out their specific duties during any crisis. Seminole County’s EOC is organized into 18 Emergency Support Functions (ESF). Each of ESF has a particular function in disaster operations. In addition, each municipality, utility provider, and the Orlando-Sanford International Airport provide staffing to improve communication and coordination.

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, traffic monitoring, over 70 phones, a satellite phone, printer/fax machines, laptop computers and video cameras. The room is also equipped with E-team, emergency management computer software.

The systems provide an electronic messaging capability between the Emergency Manager, the Message Center, the 18 ESFs, municipalities, and the State Emergency Operations Center. 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 Department of Public Safety 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.

Seminole County Division 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, if necessary.


Storm Ready Designation

Officials with the National Weather Service in Melbourne, Florida 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 those communities that have established a high degree of readiness for natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods.

     Joint Information System
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