EOC Trainees Manual - Updated
EOC Trainees Manual - Updated
EOC Trainees Manual - Updated
TRAINEE’S MANUAL
Contents
Course Overview ...................................................................................................... 1
Background
As provided for in the Republic Act (RA) 10121, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), as
the Executive Arm and Secretariat of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and
Management Council (NDRRMC), is mandated to establish standard operating
procedures (SOPs) for coordination across all phases of disaster. Under the thematic
area of Disaster Response, one of the coordinating mechanisms established is the
Incident Command System (ICS). Introduced in the country by the United States
Forest Service (USFS), ICS is a standard, on-scene, all-hazard incident management
concept that can be used by all response groups. It helped to enhance the operations
of responders particularly in ensuring accountability, facilitating proper resource
management, and promoting safety.
Aside from ICS, another significant disaster response program of the NDRRMC is the
Cluster Approach. As stipulated in the National Disaster Response Plan, the
Response Clusters shall serve as the operating mechanisms to provide widespread
support in terms of resources pooling and mobilization for massive humanitarian
assistance and disaster response services.
The ICS and the Cluster Approach are two distinct yet complementary systems. As
evidenced by past major operations for disasters and planned events in the country,
both systems effectively complement each other by using the “force-provider” and
“force-employer” relationship. ICS, as the “force employer”, is used to manage on-
scene response while the Response Clusters, as the “force providers”, act as
supporters to the Incident Management Teams (IMTs).
To facilitate the interoperability of these two (2) important entities, the Emergency
Operations Center (EOC) has been underscored. The EOC is the facility equipped
with personnel and resources that serves as repository of information and main hub
for coordination to support the management of an incident or planned event. In this
context, the EOC acts as the link between the IMTs and the Response Clusters.
While R.A. No. 10121 clearly requires the establishment of operation centers across
all the DRRMC levels, there have been no clear guidelines and training as to how to
properly manage and operate an EOC. Evidently, establishing an EOC as physical
facility complete with monitoring tools and communications equipment is not enough
given all the complexities of providing linkages between the IMTs and the Response
Clusters. While there are some well-maintained and sophisticated EOCs established
Course Objectives
General Objective
At the end of the training, the participants will be able to obtain the knowledge and
skills required in the effective operationalization and management of an EOC.
Specific Objectives
1. Discuss the concept of the EOC, its legal mandate, and role in the broader
spectrum of the Philippine DRRM system
2. Discuss the approaches for the EOC operations
3. Describe the considerations for staffing and organizing an EOC
4. Determine the physical requirements for establishing an EOC
5. Explain the communication essentials of an EOC
6. Discuss the considerations for information management as applied in an EOC
7. Explain the importance of the EOC planning process
8. Describe the approaches in ensuring the readiness of an EOC.
Teaching-Learning Methodologies
As we had transitioned into the “new normal,” the OCD-CBTS ushers its participants
into a variety of online tools designed to fit the course and accommodate its learners.
The course utilizes the following teaching-learning methods:
• Self-Paced Learning is a method in which the learners can control the amount
of material content they consume, as well as the duration of time needed to
learn the new information properly. Note however, each self-paced session is
given a corresponding technical training time credit.
• Video teleconferencing (VTC) is a learning technology that facilitates the
communication and interaction of two or more users through a combination of
high-quality audio and video over the internet. As face-to-face learning is
currently adjourned, VTC is used for lectures and other interaction.
Duration
Five (5) days with a total of 25 training hours (13.5 hours self-paced and 11.5 hours
VTC).
Video-teleconferencing rules
• Reflect NAME and OCD ID Number in your account name.
• Open your video camera.
• Dress appropriately.
• Choose a suitable background.
Certification
The issuance of certificates shall adhere to the requirements pursuant to OCD Office
Order 182, s. 2017: Guidelines on the Implementation of OCD Disaster Risk Reduction
and Management (DRRM) Training Courses. Per item 8.8.3.1, “Certificate of
Completion shall be awarded to trainees who attended all sessions and successfully
satisfied the requirements of the training course.” This includes the active participation
in the activities and the completion of Level 2: Learning Level Evaluation with a passing
grade (50% + 1). Per item 8.8.4 of the said OCD Office Order, “Certificate of
Participation shall be given if the trainee missed a maximum of 5% of the required
training hours and/or was not able to satisfactorily perform based on the set objectives
of the training course.”
Further, pursuant to OCD Office Order No. 196, s. 2019: Revised Guidelines on the
Implementation of Levels 1 and 2 Evaluation for DRRM Training, in item 9.2, it is
specified that a participant shall be required to take the pre-test and post-test under
the following conditions to receive Certificate of Completion:
The OCD upholds the principles of gender and development in the implementation of
all its training programs. Hence, it is important for all attendees to maintain gender
sensitivity and responsiveness throughout the course.
Self-paced Modules
Introduction to Introduction to the concept of the EOC, its legal
Emergency mandate, and role in the broader spectrum of the
Operations Center Philippine DRRM system.
VTC Modules
Definition of EOC
Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is a designated facility that is staffed and
equipped with resources to undertake multi-stakeholder coordination, manage
information, and facilitate resource mobilization.
From the name itself, an EOC operates during an emergency situation. Its main role
is to support incident operations.
Assist in issue-resolution
As the EOC gathers information, people managing EOC are able to think about the
bigger picture of the disaster more strategically than the tactical teams. Should
macro-level response issues arise, the EOC can undertake coordination to
troubleshoot. Among the support services that the EOC can facilitate are policy,
logistical, and even legal support.
Since 2010, various issuances have been released to support the institutionalization
of EOC.
2010→ Enacted on 10 May 2020, Republic Act (RA) 10121 requires the
establishment of operations centers across all levels of governance. Specific
provisions in the law are as follows:
Section 9. Powers and Functions of the OCD
(n) Establish an operating facility to be known as the National Disaster Risk
Reduction and Management Operations Center (NDRRMOC) that shall be
operated and staffed on a twenty-four (24) hour basis;
2016→ Issued on 18 August 2016, NDRRMC Memorandum No. 43, s. 2016 requires
for the interoperability of Response Clusters and Incident Management
Teams through the EOC.
2018→ Issued on 25 October 2018, NDRRMC Memo No. 131, s. 2018 provides the
guidelines and standards on the establishment operationalization and
management of EOC.
The highest element is the policy level, where overall decisions are made. It is where
the Responsible Official (RO), who is the head of agency or person vested with
decision-making authority, is situated. The RO undertakes the following:
• Making policy decisions
• Establishing priorities
• Resolving critical issues.
During emergencies, the RO usually stays at the EOC to closely monitor the
situation and make immediate decisions.
2. Coordination
Coordination (Operational) Level
Coordination is where the EOC plays a vital role. Based on the priorities and
decisions at the policy level by the RO, the EOC performs the following functions:
• Mobilizing and tracking resources
• Collecting, analyzing, and disseminating situation report/ information.
The EOC serves as the repository of information and main hub for coordination. At
this point, the EOC also works closely with the Response Clusters, or organized
group of agencies that provides support in terms of pooling resources for operations.
Module Objectives
Upon completion of the module, you will be able to
1. Determine lessons from past incidents that led to the development of ICS
2. Explain the overview of ICS
3. Describe the key principles and features of ICS
4. Determine key events in which ICS was applied.
Aside from natural hazards, we also have to contend with various human-induced
hazards such as fires, bombing and terrorist attacks.
2. Inadequate communications
Stakeholders rely on their own communication tools and channels that are not
interoperable and interconnected with the rest.
7. Terminology differences
Some personnel are unfamiliar with the terminologies and jargons used by others,
leading to confusion and ineffective communication.
Overview of ICS
What is ICS?
ICS is a standard, on-scene, all-hazard incident management concept that can be
used by DRRMCs at all levels, particularly response groups.
Harmonized Response
ICS allows users to adopt an integrated organizational structure to match the
complexities and demands of single or multiple incidents without being hindered by
agency or jurisdictional boundaries.
It allows different actors to harmonize their efforts, have a common objective despite
their differences in mandates, functions and priorities.
Rule 7 (h), Implementing Rules and Regulations: The OCD shall “establish an
incident command system (ICS) as part of the country's existing on-scene
disaster response system, to ensure effective consequence management of
disasters or emergencies.”
Another study assessed the reliability and effectiveness of ICS in three (3) criteria:
policy, training and operations. The findings of the study indicate that ICS is reliable
and effective as an on-scene disaster response and management mechanism in the
country. ICS puts order in disasters. It systematizes and standardizes processes
by integrating mandates and functions of various stakeholders. ICS is a platform of
convergence for government, private sector, CSOs/NGOs and the community to work
together in managing disasters, and yield mutually desired results.
Common Terminology
• All ICS communications should be done in plain language. Radio codes,
agency- specific codes, acronyms, and other jargon should be avoided to
ensure that radio traffic can be understood by everyone on that channel. This
ensures better communication and a safer work environment.
Modular Organization
• The ICS organization is flexible and modular. Organization develops in a top-
down fashion, beginning with the Incident Commander (IC). The IC establishes
organization based on incident size, complexity, and specific hazards.
• ICS also adheres to the principle of “Form follows function”, i.e., only
functions/positions necessary for the incident will be filled or activated.
Management by Objectives
The ICS is managed by objectives. In order to achieve the desired goal at the top of
the triangle. There are four essential steps. These steps take place in every incident
regardless of size or complexity.
Span of Control
• Span of control pertains to the number of individuals one supervisor can
effectively manage.
• In ICS, the ideal span of control for any supervisor falls within a range of 3 to 7
subordinates. If a supervisor has fewer than 3, or more than 7, people
reporting to him/her, some adjustments to the organization should be
considered.
Integrated Communications
The ability to communicate within the ICS is essential. Communications can be viewed
in at least three different ways:
• The "hardware" systems that transfer information
• Planning for the use of all available communications frequencies and resources
• The procedures and processes for transferring information
Just as every incident requires an IAP, every incident also needs a Communications
Plan. Like the action plan, the Communications Plan can be very simple and stated
orally, or it can be quite complex, and form a part of a written IAP.
Unified Command
• Unified Command enables all responsible agencies to manage an incident
together by establishing a common set of incident objectives and strategies.
• It allows Incident Commanders to make joint decisions by establishing a single
command structure. In maintaining unity of command, each employee only
reports to one supervisor. There is shared responsibility and accountability.
Dispatch/Deployment
• Resources should respond only when requested or when dispatched by an
appropriate authority through established resource management systems.
• Receipt of a complete deployment briefing is important. The situation must
be assessed, and the response must be thoroughly planned. Managing
resources safely and effectively is the most important consideration.
• The purpose of the IAP is to provide all incident supervisory personnel with
appropriate direction for action. The IAP specifies tactical actions
associated with the next operational period.
EOC Activation
ICP vs EOC
Cluster
A cluster is a group of agencies that gather to work together towards common
objectives within a particular sector of emergency response.
Response Clusters
Should there only be one RO, one EOC and one IMT for response?
EOC Organization
EOC organizational structure in the Philippines differs, based on the whether the EOC
is at the
• National level
• Regional level
• Local level
• Agency/Organizational level.
Designation of Positions
Operational Period
- Incident Command System (ICS) defines an Operational Period as “The
period of time scheduled for the execution of a given set of operational actions
as specified in the Incident Action Plan (IAP)”
- EOC operational period should be established to support the incident
objectives of the IMT.
Duration of an Incident/Event
Module Objectives
Upon completion of the module, the participants must be able to
1. Discuss considerations for EOC design
2. Describe the EOC readiness levels and considerations for multi-use facilities
3. Explain the importance of having an alternate EOC.
Establishment of EOC
EOC Design
What are the typical requirements in establishing and designing an EOC?
EOC Accessibility
Risk Assessment
A systematic approach to identify risks that are most likely to affect the EOC and its
surroundings.
Safety/Security Considerations
• Building code compliance
• Fire safety clearance
EOC Layout
1. EOC layout depends on size, personnel, functions, and site constraints.
2. Must have
• Main operations room
• Other rooms for support activities
– Public Information/Media/Visitor area(s)
– Communications/Equipment
– Meeting/Conference Space
– Staff support areas (resting, pantry, showers).
Common Options
• Conference Room (Boardroom)
• Situation Room (Mission Control)
• Sectioned Room (Marketplace)
• Virtual.
Virtual EOC
• Doesn’t require physical co-location
• Tasks conducted by phone, computer, video conferencing
• Enhanced by common information management system
EOC Capabilities
• Adequate ventilation and air conditioning
• Electricity supply with backup
• Water supply
• Communication systems
• Data management and storage
EOC Survivability
An EOC must remain operable for an extended period of time regardless of the
incident and other damages to the infrastructure.
All DRRMCs, agencies, and organizations should have an identified alternate EOC.
Selection of alternate EOC location should be based on same factors as the primary
EOC
• Accessibility
• Safety
• Size
• Systems capability
• Survivability.
Module Objectives
Upon completion of this module, the participants will be able to
1. Explain key considerations for establishing communication systems in an EOC
2. Describe communication infrastructure and technologies.
Interoperability
The ability of public service and support providers to communicate with staff from
other responding agencies and to exchange voice and/or data communications on
demand and in real time.” - National Task Force on Interoperability
Security
• EOCs should have the capability to send and receive secure data and audio
communications
• Rooms with secure equipment should have higher physical security measures
• Communications systems should be protected from unauthorized access and
hacking
Communications Systems
1. Voice
2. Video
3. Data
• Text
• Electronic files, records, and applications
• Digital audio files
• Digital video files
• Digital pictures
Module Objectives
Upon completion of this module, the participants will be able to
1. Determine common EOC information needs
2. Describe EOC information management technology and systems
3. Discuss the importance of Joint Information System.
Information Dissemination
• Identify your EEI end-users.
• Determine how to disseminate EEI to each end-user.
Computer Systems - Provides various electronic services for the EOC such as
report development, data-processing, databasing, etc.
Audio Visual Support - Provides display capacities for the EOC for various situation
monitoring functions.
Global Positioning System (GPS) - Helps EOC to track various locations such as
disaster-affected areas, deployment assignments, etc.
A written plan that defines the EOC work objectives and tasks necessary to manage
EOC activities during an operational period.
How can we ensure that EOC staff know how to do their jobs?
Developing SOPs
Should be a consultative-team effort.
Reviewing SOPs
SOPs should be reviewed and revised
• After each EOC activation
• After each exercise.
Training
Considerations
• Develop EOC position descriptions
• Develop overall EOC training strategy
• Provide training opportunities on common EOC tasks
• Use information from exercises and actual operations
• Others.
Exercises
• Exercises consist of performing duties, tasks or operations very similar to the way
they would be performed in a real emergency.
• Exercises evaluate EOC functionality.
Exercise Categories
Points to ponder on
• Based on the AAR, the remedial action plan is designed to track the fixing of issues
that surfaced during an exercise or real-world operations.
• Specify who, what, when, and how the issue will be fixed.
EOC Toolbox
Contains all EOC references provided by the US Forest Service as guide for your own
EOC readiness.