Emergency Operations Centers are one of four NIMS Command and Coordination structures.

ICS is used to manage on-scene, tactical-level response; EOCs are off site locations where staff from multiple agencies come together to:

• Address imminent threats and hazards
• Provide coordinated support to incident command, on-scene personnel and/or other EOCs

The purpose, authorities, and composition of EOCs vary widely, but EOCs generally perform the following primary functions:

• Collecting, analyzing and sharing information
• Supporting resource needs and requests, including allocation and tracking
• Coordinating plans and determining current and future needs
• In some cases providing coordination and policy direction

Some agencies and departments utilize operations centers. EOCs are multidisciplinary and in this aspect are different from operations centers employed by a single organization.

EOCs can be fixed locations, temporary facilities or virtual structures with staff participating remotely.