State Emergency Operations Center

The Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency's State Emergency Operation Center (SEOC) provides a central location from which all state government can provide interagency coordination in support of any regional incident or local response. This is done by: information collection and evaluation, executive decision making, priority setting, management, coordination and tracking of resources, and interoperable communication facilitation to support any overall response efforts.

The Local Emergency Operation Center provides immediate resource coordination and support to the on scene Incident Command. Upon request, the SEOC provides additional expertise, resources, and support. When the State resources are exceeded, the SEOC requests additional resource support and coordination assistance from other States by using the Emergency Management Assistant Compact or from the Federal Emergency Management Agency through the FEMA Region I Response Coordination Center to gain access to any Federal Resources needed.

The State Emergency Operation Center operates under the guidance of the National Response Framework (NRF) and the National Incident Management System (NIMS). NIMS provides the template for the management of incidents, while the NRF provides the structure and mechanisms for national-level policy for incident management.

An important component of NIMS that guides the structure of the SEOC is the Incident Command System (ICS). ICS is a standardized, on-scene, all-hazards incident management approach that allows for the integration of facilities, equipment, personnel, procedures and communications operating within a common organizational structure. Through ICS structure, the SEOC is staffed by predetermined Emergency Support Functions.

Support to Locals

The SEOC can assist the Local Emergency Operation Center or Local Incident Commander by:

  • Centralizing Data Collection
  • Creating a Common Operating Picture
  • Evaluating Information for Executive Policy Decision Making
  • Creating Strategic Planning & Priority Setting
  • Managing, Coordinating, & Tracking Resources
  • Providing Interoperable Communications Support
  • Managing Public Information
  • Administrative Support