NERRTC Adding to Emergency Operations Training Center
COLLEGE STATION, Texas — The Texas Engineering Extension Service's National Emergency Response and Rescue Training Center (NERRTC) is doubling the size of its Emergency Operations Training Center (EOTC), which serves as the home of one of the nation's top courses for computer-simulated incident management training.
The EOTC, which sits between the world-renowned Disaster City and the Brayton Fire Training Field, uses unique simulation and computer-based technologies to train emergency managers and city officials in managing large-scale incidents through a unified command approach.
NERRTC utilizes these technologies through its Enhanced Incident Management/Unified Command (E-IM/UC) course, which is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Office of Grants & Training and attracts the nation's top emergency managers. (Visit www.teex.com/eotc for course information). The course will host its 1,000th student this week.
The 17,000-square-foot EOTC expansion was approved January 2006 by The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents. The project, which should be completed in early 2008, includes the construction of a fully functioning Emergency Operations Center next to the existing Incident Command Post simulation facility, observation decks for exercise controllers, and two parking pads for mobile incident command units. The expansion will also support the delivery of an Enhanced Emergency Operations Center course following the completion of the expanded facility.
"This facility provides emergency managers, supervisors and public officials the skills they need to coordinate with local, state and federal multi-agency representatives during large, complex incident situations," said NERRTC Program Coordinator Mark Anderson. "With the new EOTC additions, TEEX will provide emergency managers with the most in-depth and technologically advanced training available into the future."
The expansion will allow for a simulation exercise to be conducted with the command post and operations center at the same time. Additional training options will include responders working in Disaster City.
The EOTC facility has been delivering training for over two years and currently features state-of-the-art computer-based technologies capable of simulating large-scale incidents involving chemical, biological, nuclear, hazardous materials, explosives and incendiary agents. The center provides first response management with training in the decision-making process of a unified command system, as well as advanced management training in law enforcement, fire services, Emergency Medical Services, hazardous materials, public works, government administration, public health, communication, and emergency management.
A member of The Texas A&M University System, TEEX offers hands-on, customized training, exercises, technical assistance and technology transfer services impacting Texas and beyond. Agency programs include fire services, homeland security, law enforcement, public works, safety and health, search and rescue and technology transfer.
