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RESPONSE Return to What We Do OEM helps coordinate city-wide disaster responses The Office of Emergency Management (OEM) coordinates the City of Austin's communications and response actions during a disaster or emergency situation. OEM facilitates this process by implementing emergency and communications plans and activating the Emergency Operations Center (EOC). OEM does not dictate what actions the City's first responders and departments will take, but rather provides information and coordination to help manage a complete city-wide response. This centralized response system helps to quickly and effectively prioritize City resources to help save lives and prevent further property and economic losses. First priorities are always Search and rescue operations, treating the injured, reestablishing vital public services, and providing emergency shelter support to protect life and safety. Agency representatives gather in the EOC Providing a way for City, local, State, and Federal responders to effectivly communicate is vital to understanding the situation and formulating the appropriate response. Once centralized information is available, various public communications systems are used to distribute emergency information from the EOC to citizens and the media. Following are examples of the types of situations that may lead to an OEM response or activation: A significant number of casualties; Severe or widespread damage; A shortage of resources needed to effectively respond to an event; Interruption of vital services such as transportation, utilities or food distribution; An evacuation requiring long term or extensive sheltering of citizens; Events with extensive news or media coverage; Elements that cannot be managed using daily City procedures. CLICK HERE TO RETURN TO THE TOP