1. This SOG includes organizational and functional procedures necessary to activate and operate the EOC quickly and efficiently.
    
2. This SOG will apply except when modified as needed to meet specific conditions and situations. Modifications will be carried out by the Emergency Management Coordinator or his designee.

When activated, the primary Bertie County EOC is located at the Bertie County office building at 106 Dundee Street in Windsor. This facility provides limited auxiliary power, a small kitchen, adequate communication capability and ample office space for extended emergency operations. Since the facility serves as the center for Bertie County Government, consideration must be given for the continuity of local government during an EOC activation. The alternate County EOC is the Windsor Fire Station, located at 501 N. King Street in Windsor. The facility has auxiliary power, kitchen and sleeping accommodations and communications equipment.
 

Municipalities can open and operate municipal EOCs during a county-wide or regional emergency.  However, municipalities depend on overall direction and control from the County during times of disaster as required by NC General Statute 166A (NC Emergency Management Act). The County may provide staff to facilities utilized as Municipal EOCs as the situation dictates.
 

1. Direction of emergency operations.
    
2. Communications and warning.
    
3. Damage assessment and reporting.
    
4. Containment and/or control of hazardous material incidents/emergencies.
    
5. Dissemination of severe weather watches and warnings.
    
6. Actions to protect the health and safety of the general public, to include:
   • Public Information, instructions, and directions
   • Evacuation and or sheltering

Personnel reporting to the EOC will operate in one of two functional sections assigned or predetermined by the EM Coordinator.
 

The Control Group, under the direction of the Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners, or their designee, consists of the decision-makers of the jurisdiction and others as decided by the Chairman. This group is responsible for:

• The approval of policies and strategies pertinent to the emergency situation.

• Leadership and decision making (for implementation by the Support Group).
• Preparation and release of statements to the general public in coordination with the Public Information Officer.
• Maintaining a line of communication with their respective administrators and County/Municipal elected officials utilizing communications equipment available.
• Upon activation, maintaining a presence in the EOC to carry out the direction and control function.

• Maintaining an awareness of the overall actions being taken in response to the emergency situation.

The Support Group, under the direction of the Control Group is responsible for on-scene operations including the allocation of resources. The Support Group may consist of the following Sub Groups (Emergency Support Functions) and state agency representatives:
 

1. Information:  Public Information Officer, County Manager, Health Director, Cooperative Extension, Sheriff and EM Coordinator.
   Group Leader: Public Information Officer
    

2. Communications/Notification & Warning: Bertie County Communications Center, Amateur Radio, Sheriff�s Department and EM Coordinator.
   Group Leader: Sheriff
    

3. Law Enforcement/Traffic Control/Emergency Transportation: Sheriff�s Department, NCHP, Municipal Police Departments, National Guard, NCDOT, Alcohol Law Enforcement, SBI and Probation/Parole. 
   Group Leader: Sheriff
    

4. Fire and Hazmat: Fire Association President, EM Coordinator, Emergency Medical Service, Sheriff�s Department and Regional Response Team-1. 
   Group Leader: Fire Service
    

5. EMS: Emergency Medical Services, EM Coordinator and Bertie Memorial Hospital. 
   Group Leader: EMS
    

6. Shelter/Mass Care: Department of Social Services, Health Department, Emergency Medical Service, Superintendent of Schools and American Red Cross. 
   Group Leader: Social Services Director
    

7. Public Health Services: Public Health, Mental Health, Medical Examiner, Emergency Medical Service, Hospital, Other medical facility personnel.
   Group Leader: Health Director
    

8. WMD/Mass Casualty: Health Department, Emergency Medical Service, Bertie Memorial Hospital, Sheriff�s Department and EM Coordinator. 
   Group Leader: Health Department Supervisor
    

9. Utilities: Water Department, Dominion-NC Power, Roanoke Electric Association (REA), and Sprint. 
   Group Leader: Water Department
    

10. Damage Assessment: Tax Officer, Finance Officer, Red Cross, Forest Ranger and USDA Emergency Board Member. 
    Group Leader: Tax Officer
     

11. Donated Goods/Unmet Needs: Donated Goods Committee, Unmet Needs Committee, Council on Aging, Social Services and Volunteers. 
    Group Leader: Council on Aging Director.
     

12. Volunteers:  Human Resource Officer, Forest Ranger, Fire Association President, Red Cross and Salvation Army. 
    Group Leader: Human Resource Officer.
     

13. Debris Removal/Management: Economic Development Director and Forest Ranger. 
    Group Leader: Economic Development Director.
     

14. Recovery:  EM Coordinator, Human Resource Officer, Economic Development Director, Council on Aging Director, Finance Officer and Tax Officer. 
    Group Leader: EM Coordinator.
     

15. Safety Officer: EM Coordinator, Human Resources, County Manager
    Group leader: EM Coordinator
     

16. Transportation: Operations Officer, Superintendent of Schools, Choanoke Public Transportation Authority.
    Group Leader: Superintendent of Schools
     

1. Source and Means of Receipt
   
   Warnings/alerts may be received from any source and by any means. The more likely sources and means are shown below. Warnings or directed messages will be verified according to developed procedures to preclude unnecessary reaction to possible prank notification.
   • On-the-scene personnel
   • Weather Service
   • State Highway Patrol
   • Division of Criminal Information (DCI)
   • EM Coordinator, EBO
   • News Media
   • Hazardous materials fixed facilities in City / County
      
2. Persons to Receive Messages
   • Warning may be received by Bertie County Communications Center.
   • Warning/alerts may also be received by the Bertie County Emergency Management Coordinator, or their representative.

1. Consult with the appropriate county and/or city officials and make recommendations for the activation of the EOC.
    
2. Initiate alerting/notification procedures to extent directed in the manner prescribed in this SOG.
    
3. Officials alerted by the action prescribed above will alert those individuals and/or departments for which they are responsible.

1. The EOC will be considered activated when sufficient personnel for operational activities are physically present.
    
2. Reporting - All personnel reporting for duty in the EOC will make their presence known to the Emergency Management Coordinator or their section leaders.
    
3. When the EOC is activated, space will be utilized as suits the operation and designated by the Emergency Management Coordinator.
    
4. The initial situation briefing will be provided by the Emergency Management Coordinator when the EOC is activated. Subsequent briefings will be held as needed.
    

5. Bertie County EOC Activation is prompted when one or more of the following situations occur:

   • There exists an imminent threat to the safety or health of the public.

   • Extensive multi-agency or jurisdiction response and coordination are necessary to resolve or recover from an emergency/disaster situation.

   • Local resources are inadequate or depleted and significant mutual aid resources must be utilized to resolve the emergency situation.

   • The disaster affects multiple political jurisdictions within the County which are relying on the same resources to resolve the emergency/disaster situation.

   • Local emergency ordinances are required and implemented to control the emergency situation.

1. Level 1:
   Minor Emergency: Minor Emergencies are those which are handled on a regular day-to-day basis by local law enforcement, fire and rescue personnel. The Emergency Management Coordinator will respond to this type emergency or be available by phone or pager. No additional staffing is normally required.
    

2. Level 2:
   Limited Emergency: A limited emergency requires a limited staff for the EOC. Only those functions of the EOC which are necessary to cope with the limited emergency are operational. This condition also can be defined as a partial mobilization. Limited emergency situations fall into two major categories. The first is an advance readiness for what may become a full emergency at a later time. The second category is when a minor emergency goes beyond the conditions which can be handled by the day-to-day operations of the local government.
    

3. Level 3:
   Full Emergency: A full emergency requires total mobilization of the entire staff. All personnel with designated duties in the Emergency Operation Plan should be prepared to report to the EOC upon notification from Emergency Management or the County Manager. All other Bertie County employees and volunteers will be called to assist as needed. A declaration of a State of Emergency will most likely be issued by Bertie County Officials if activation reaches this level. 

1. The Bertie County EOC may be activated by the Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners, or their designee; the County Manager, or their designee; and/or the Emergency Management Coordinator.
    

2. Upon activation of the Bertie County EOC, the EM Coordinator will notify the NC Division of Emergency Management, Eastern Branch Office in Kinston.

1. Full Activation
    
2. Limited (Partial) Activation - Sections will be represented as directed by the Emergency Management Coordinator.

1. Control
   1. Chairman of the Board of County commissioners
   2. County Commissioners
   3. Municipal mayors
   4. County Manager
   5. Municipal Managers
   6. Others as designated
       
2. Support
   1. Emergency Management Coordinator
   2. Public Information Officer
   3. Operations Manager
   4. Law Enforcement
   5. Fire Departments
   6. Public Works / Maintenance
   7. Social Services
   8. Emergency Medical Services and Rescue
   9. Communications
   10. Public Health
   11. School System
   12. Mental Health
   13. Cooperative Extension
   14. Damage Assessment/Tax Department
   15. Hazardous Materials Response Coordinator
   16. Animal Control
   17. Mapping / GIS / Information Technology / Technical Support
   18. Red Cross
   19. A.R.E.S.
   20. Council on Aging
   21. Finance
   22. Utilities
   23. Other volunteer or support agencies
   24. Safety
   25. S.E.R.T. (State Emergency Response Team) Representative
   26. Other State agency representatives

1. Control
   
   The Chief Executives are responsible for the formulating of policy and operational guide lines for the conduct of emergency operations. They are also responsible for the overall management of survival and recovery efforts.
   Group Leader: Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners, or designee
    
2. Support
   Group Leader: County Manager or Emergency Management Coordinator
    
   1. Emergency Management Coordinator
      
      The County Emergency Management Coordinator is charged with planning, organizing, directing and supervising emergency operations conducted within the County, and will:
      • Assign and where necessary, train personnel to accomplish required tasks in the operation of the EOC.
      • Ensure that the EOC SOG and appropriate Annexes are periodically updated.
      • Maintain sufficient supplies and equipment to ensure the operational capability of the EOC.
      • Supervise and coordinate the functions during operations.
      • Provide briefings as needed.
      • Such other tasks as may be required to safeguard property and protect the people of Bertie County in emergencies.
      • Locate and coordinate resources and resource requests.
         
   2. Public Information Officer (PIO)
      • Establish procedures for the dissemination of information.
      • Provide the public with educational-type information for their safety and protection.
      • Disseminate public instruction and direction.
      • Act as the government's point-of-contact with the news media.
      • Serve under the direction of the County Manger or designee.
      • Establishes rumor control.
         
   3. Operations Director/Manager 
      • Be the recipient of all incoming information concerning the emergency situation.
      • Have available the most current status of resources (i.e., manpower, equipment and supplies), in and out of government.
      • Establish a priority of effort based on the two preceding items of information.
      • Be supported within the EOC by the Administrative Department of county government which will:
      • Maintain a complete record of activities in chronological order.
      • Provide personnel for secretarial and clerical activities as needed within the EOC.
      • Provide personnel for posting the operational status and activities on EOC display boards, charts, maps, etc.
         
   4. Law Enforcement
      • The Law Enforcement Group is headed by the County Sheriff, or representative. The Sheriff is supported as needed by the Windsor Police Department, the auxiliary forces of this department and the North Carolina Highway Patrol. In addition to normal law enforcement activities the Sheriff is charged in Emergency Operations with providing assistance in warning and evacuation, EOC Security, escorts for school buses, traffic control and security for evacuated areas.
         
   5. Fire Departments
      • Fire Service within the County is represented in the EOC by the Bertie County Fireman's Association President or designee, as appropriate. Additional duties assigned to the Fire Service are many and varied. These duties are contained in current plans, particularly those involving hazardous material incidents or emergencies.
         
   6. Public Works / Maintenance
      • Public Works for the County will be made up of the personnel and equipment from the County Maintenance Department as well as Windsor Public Works. It will be under the direction and control of the County Maintenance Director.  This group will provide such emergency service as debris clearance, soil removal, refuse collection and other similar services as needed for the safety and protection of the population.
         
   7. Social Services
      • In addition to the services provided by these organizations on a routine basis, they are tasked in emergencies with support operations of Congregate Care Centers if required. Facilities (schools) to be used as Congregate Care Centers are identified in appropriate plans. Supporting Congregate Care includes the entire spectrum of mass care from registering through feeding, bedding, physical hygiene, care of sick, aged, infirm and children, to returning the facility to its pre-shelter condition. The Health Department and Social Services are responsible for coordinating Congregate Care to the Special Needs population unless or until those functions have been turned over to Red Cross. 
         
   8. Emergency Medical Service and Rescue
      • The Emergency Medical Service is represented in the EOC by the Director of Emergency Medical Service. Resources for the service are those of the Health Department, Rescue Squads, and the Emergency Medical Service. In addition to services which would be required of this group in emergencies, they will support the medical and health requirements of Congregate Care.
         
   9. Communications
      • Communications within the County are under the operational control of the Office of Emergency Communications Operations and Management. All emergency service agencies utilized within the County are terminated in the center station located at the EOC. Additional communications which could be placed in service are identified in the Resource Manual.
         
      • Warning within the County is provided by EAS with Cable Television interrupt on all channels and is supplemented by public address systems mounted in emergency service vehicles. Warning is an assigned responsibility of the County Warning Point (EOC) and supplemented by the various emergency service agencies. The direction and control of the warning system is by the Emergency Management Coordinator.
         
   10. Public Health
       • Public Health is represented in the EOC by the Health Director. The Director is supported, as needed, by staff members as required, based upon the nature of the incident. In addition to normal duties, the Health Director will be responsible for directing staff to assist in issues dealing with public health concerns in emergency situations. The Health Director will also address specific issues concerning food products, sanitation and population exposure to diseases that may manifest themselves in times of disaster.
          
   11. School System
       • The Bertie School District is represented in the EOC by the Superintendent or their appointed representative who has the authority to act on behalf of the schools. The primary function of this person is to coordinate school related issues such as student evacuations, transportation and the use of school facilities as shelters by the American Red Cross. This person works closely with Red Cross and the Department of Social Services to ensure facilities are adequate and that the needs of both the public and the schools are met in times of disaster. This person serves as the primary liaison between the County and the School system and as the Transportation Coodinator.
          
   12. Mental Health
       • Mental Health is represented in the EOC as required or requested by the EOC staff or the Emergency Management Coordinator. Mental Health will be represented by the local director or the chief of a mental health agency should a public agency not be available. The primary function of this person will be to provide assistance in the way of personnel to shelters when it is determined that mental health personnel are needed. They will support the Health Department, Social Services and the Red Cross. The mental health position is also responsible for arranging and coordinating CISD (critical incident stress debriefing) teams for emergency services personnel.
          
   13. Cooperative Extension
       • Represented by the Cooperative Extension Service Director and is responsible for all issues concerning agriculture including assessing crop, livestock and their product damages that may result from the loss suffered in a disaster. This person will keep the EOC advised regarding agricultural losses or the potential for such losses. This person is also responsible for the coordination of the removal of dead farm animals and/or the decontamination of such animals. This person will be responsible for issuing proper authority to farmers to reenter stricken areas in coordination with the Sheriff or appropriate law enforcement agency. Also this person coordinates assistance to the public by means of public information concerning the consumption of food products or the preparation of same. This activity is conducted in a coordinated manner with the Health Department and the Public Information Officer.
          
   14. Damage Assessment
       • Damage Assessment is represented by the Tax Supervisor and is responsible for the coordination of all damage assessment teams. He/she is also responsible to ensure that the teams are equipped and dispatched to the appropriate areas to conduct damage surveys. Collections of these surveys and compiling the information for accurate reporting to the Emergency Management Coordinator. Additional duties are found in the plan annex dealing with damage assessment.
          
   15. Hazardous Materials Response
       • The Hazardous Materials Response Coordinator has been appointed and will serve as the Safety Section Chief.  They are responsible for the receipt, evaluation and reporting of hazardous materials data. The HMRC is also responsible for working with the Health Director in making recommendations for Emergency Workers.  They shall be assisted by the head of Environmental Health Division of the Bertie County Health Department.
          
   16. Animal Control
       • The Animal Control Section will be manned by the Director of Animal Control or appointed representative. Animal Control will coordinate all issues dealing with domestic companion animals and assist Cooperative Extension as much as possible with livestock issues. These include issues of companion animals at shelters. The Animal Control Section may draw upon whatever resources are necessary and available to assist them.
          
   17. Technical Support
       • Other technical support services may be necessary such as representatives of utilities, chemical manufacturers, information technology, GIS, mapping, or other specialists. These persons serve as technical advisors and liaisons within the scope of their expertise.
          
   18. Red Cross
       • In addition to the services provided by these organizations on a routine basis, they are tasked in emergencies with operations of Congregate Care Centers (shelters) if required. Facilities (schools) to be used as Congregate Care Centers (shelters) are identified in appropriate plans. Congregate Care includes the entire spectrum of mass care from registering through feeding, bedding, physical hygiene, to returning the facility to its pre-shelter condition. The Health Department and Social Services are responsible for coordinating Congregate Care to the Special Needs population. 
          
   19. A.R.E.S.
       • A.R.E.S. or the Amateur Radio Emergency Service is represented by a volunteer, licensed Amateur radio operator and part of the amateur radio emergency service network. A liaison is assigned by ARES to the EOC. This liaison is responsible for all ARES operations and staffing regardless of the location of ARES operators. The primary function is to perform back up communications via radio with shelters and messaging from the EOC to outlying emergency operations and serve as the link between shelter operations and the Red Cross liaison at the EOC. This person also ensures that all amateur radio equipment used is functional and within the standards of the service and that all amateur radio personnel are licensed and members of ARES. ARES is also responsible for updating weather information in a timely manner, using whatever tools are available and maintaining contact with NWS and keeping the EOC advised accordingly.
          
   20. Council on Aging
       • Provides services for elderly citizens, as well as donations management.
          
   21. Finance
       • Compile and maintain documentation of purchases, acquisition and utilization of emergency supplies, equipment and other services;
       • Perform financial and cost analysis to develop conclusions on efficient methods of resolving and recovering from the emergency/disaster situation.
          
   22. Utilities
       • Utilities representatives (power, gas, telephone, etc.) will provide personnel in the EOC to provide information and technical advice, as well as updated information relative to their respective customers.
          
   23. Other support agencies / volunteers
       • These agencies, when called upon will provide a representative to the EOC and provide advice and support according to the need or assignment. Assignments will be made by the Support Group leader.
          
   24. S.E.R.T. (State Emergency Response Team)
       • SERT is a State resource and may be provided upon request.
       • If / when SERT is deployed their primary responsibilities often include:
         • Forwarding requests for assistance and or resources to the appropriate state agencies;
         • Keeping local officials briefed on the activities of the state;
         • Assisting the local Emergency Management Coordinator;
         • Carrying out other duties assigned by the state.
            
   25. Other State / Federal agency representatives.
       • Other State agency representatives may be called upon to provide support and/or technical advice to the EOC. Requests for these representatives must be made through the Emergency Management Coordinator. Upon arrival these representatives will receive their mission assignments from the Support Group leader. State / Federal agency representatives usually must confer with their supervisors and must respond according to their department or agency guidelines and may not be responsive to local guidelines.

1. Radio communications received in the EOC will be via the County Communications Center. All traffic through the center is recorded on digital format and in the Computer Aided Dispatch System.
    
2. Incoming information will be passed to the Support Group Chief for information and disposition as deemed appropriate.
    
3. Incoming information received via telephone or messenger will be written using the EOC messaging system furnished by Emergency Management.
    
4. Actions taken as a result of incoming information will be made as an entry in the computer.
    
5. Outgoing Messages: Copies of messages directing the commitment of resources or personnel will be made available to the Operations Officer and the information passed on to the Emergency Management Coordinator by the agency directing the action.

1. Bedding is available within the EOC and will be provided as needed during prolonged operations by the staff of Emergency Management or Red Cross.
    
2. Meals:
   • With exception of special diets which are the responsibility of the individuals, meals will be provided within the EOC when circumstances dictate or outside travel is restricted or curtailed.
   • The procurement of food supplies will be the responsibility of the Emergency Management Coordinator or Red Cross or other volunteer organization.
   • Preparation of meals within the EOC will be accomplished by either EOC Personnel or the Cooperative Extension Service Homemakers (as available). Austere meals (soup, sandwich and beverage) will be provided in other than prolonged operations.
      
3. Personal  Items:
   • Each individual reporting to the EOC for duty will make provisions for their own personal hygiene requirements, clothing and any special dietary needs or prescription drugs.

1. Operation Log
    
2. Shelters (capacity, name)
    
3. Weather Information
    
4. Emergency Action Classification
    
5. Decontamination stations (hazardous materials)
    
6. Traffic Control points/road blocks
    
7. Warning and notification routes

1. Ensure picture IDs are worn or carried at all times and only those persons with proper identification are admitted to the EOC during operational hours.
    
2. Ensure an accurate log is kept of all persons entering or exiting the EOC.
    
3. Ensure authorized visitors are escorted at all times in the EOC.
    
4. Perform perimeter security checks and ensure appropriate doors are locked or otherwise secured.
    
5. Perform other security functions as directed by the Sheriff, ranking law enforcement officer or the Emergency Management Coordinator.

Attachment 2
ICS EOC Flow Chart
 

Attachment 3
Direction and Control Organization Chart
 

• The scope and known specifics of the incident that has caused the EOC to be activated.
• The names and locations of Incident Commanders and Incident Command Posts.
• Location of the incident(s) (i.e. countywide, area, specific location, etc.).
• Number of units or personnel currently assigned or dispatched to the incident(s).
• Number of currently known injured or dead.
• Weather conditions.
• Initial personnel that will man the EOC.
• The expected time period of activation.
• Security / Safety
• Sign in and sign out process.
• Messaging
• Communications (i.e. telephone number assignments, radio assignments, etc.).

• Control
• Support

• Pens
• Paper
• Computers
• Forms
• Other materials

• The scope and known specifics of the incident that has caused the EOC to be activated.
• The names and locations of Incident Commanders and Incident Command Posts.
• Location of the incident(s) (i.e. countywide, area, specific location, etc.).
• Number of units or personnel currently assigned or dispatched to the incident(s).
• Number of currently known injured or dead.
• Weather conditions.
• The expected time period of activation.
• Security / Safety.
• Sign in and sign out process.
• Messaging.
• Communications (i.e. telephone number assignments, radio assignments, etc.).
• "House keeping".
• Maps.
• Group assignments.
• Likelihood of a "second shift" requirement.

• On scene incident commanders / command posts.
• State / Federal agencies as appropriate.
• Communications Center.
• Utilities / NCDOT as appropriate.
• Media (through the Public Information Officer)

• Damage Assessment (Tax Assessor)
• Shelter and mass care
• Debris Management
• Animal Control
• Transportation

During the debriefing you may wish to include:

• Return of equipment.
• Reports that are due or need to be collected.
• Final reminders of safety or security.
• Overall EOC performance.
• Success stories (or not so successful stories).
• Lessons learned.
• Date and time of the incident/emergency/disaster response critique.