The EOC does not provide on-scene management. Tactical direction and control rests with the Incident Commander(s) in the field. It manages the overall event through several key functions:
The Knox County EOC is located at the Knox County Sheriffs Department at 2375 South Old Decker Road. The Emergency Management Agency is responsible for maintaining and operating the EOC.
The Emergency Operations Center is often activated at a “Minimal Staffing” level, with Emergency Management staff and volunteers, when there is a potential for an emergency or disaster situation developing. When fully activated to perform its management and coordination role, the County Commissioners, Councils, Mayors, Town Boards, EOC Coordinator,
Emergency Management Director and other key staff are present at the EOC as well as senior officials from county departments and agencies such as:
Another critical function of the Emergency Operations Center is communications with response agencies and other jurisdictions. The Knox County EOC Communications Room has direct two-way radio communication links with: