City and Agency EOC Station Location

For maximum efficiency and effectiveness, the ideal location of the radio equipment should meet the following requirements.

Inside or adjacent to the agency’s Emergency Operations Center

During an emergency, almost all radio traffic will be to/from the EOC. Minimizing the distance between the EOC and the radio equipment means the operator will be away from the station much less.

If the radio room is immediately adjacent to the EOC, emergency management staff can speak directly to other locations over the radio when necessary (as long as a licensed amateur radio operator is present). This can greatly speed up communications that require back-and-forth discussion.

A small anteroom off to the side of the EOC is ideal.

Quiet

For the radio operators: The radio operators can/will use a headset, but surrounding noise should be kept to a minimum (typical office-level noise is fine).

For others: The radio operator will need to speak into the microphone. Doing so shouldn’t interrupt others in the room.

Secure

The radio operator will usually bring their own personal effects and may need to bring additional equipment. These items should be secure when the radio operator needs to leave the station, such as to retrieve/deliver a message or visit the cafeteria or restroom.

Accessible

Amateur radio operators can access the location to participate in monthly practice or test nets and to perform regular maintenance (radio checks, software upgrades, etc.). Note that these activities are usually outside of business hours.

Room for up to four or five operators (or two to three people for a DOC)

In the general case, space for at least three or four operators is recommended in an EOC. In particularly busy times, more operators could be useful. Each needs a place to sit and operate computers, radios, etc.

Reliable Power

For power during a sustained outage (> 1 hour), The amateur station should have access to at least one dedicated 120V 15A circuit that has backup generator power via automatic transfer switch. The station will also need some local battery power to keep equipment going during transfers between commercial and generator power, during generator faults or refueling, or during other localized electrical problems.