Stafford Prepares, Monitors and Responds to Winter Storm
By Lieutenant Mark Stone
February 5, 2010
In anticipation of the impending winter storm, Stafford County Fire and Rescue initiated the opening of the counties Joint Operations Center (JOC) on Thursday, February 4, 2010 at 1000 hours. Led by Fire Chief Rob Brown as the Incident Commander, the JOC is operating under a Unified Command system bringing law enforcement, utilities, transportation, public works and other vital partners together for response and mitigation efforts. The center, located in the jointly-shared Public Safety Building, is designed with state-of-the-art communications and IT capabilities, allowing real time monitoring of emergency incidents, traffic and weather, as well as web-based EOC applications.
Designed to be operational 24/7 until all response and mitigation efforts have been completed, the JOC is additionally staffed with ARES/RACES (amateur radio) personnel, Emergency Support Function 15 (ESF) - External Affairs, and requisite Incident Command (ICS) positions.
Operational staffing at all county fire and rescue stations has been increased, and includes increased four-wheel drive capabilities, more EMS transport units and the addition of Virginia National Guard troops at the Berea and Potomac Hill stations.
The JOC is also providing logistical support to the two county initiated, Red Cross staffed emergency shelters located at Stafford High School and North Stafford High School.
