Emergency operations centers (EOCs) are the hub of response efforts during disasters. Emergency managers and their staff coordinate incoming information from the field and the public to coordinate response and rescue efforts. They also deploy resources and communicate with other government agencies, responders, the public, and the media. This book looks at the function and role of EOCs and their organizations. The new edition contains added chapters on in-crisis communications, communicating with the public and media, and leadership and decision-making during disaster events.

Uniting the best of Michael Fagel and Jennifer Hesterman's books in the fields of homeland security and emergency management, the editors of this volume present the prevailing issues affecting the homeland security community today. Many natural and man-made threats can impact our communities but these well-known and highly respected authors create order from fear, guiding the reader through risk assessment, mitigation strategies, community EOC planning, and hardening measures based upon real-life examples, case studies, and current research in the practice.

As terrorist attacks and...