Concepts of the ESM/EOC system.

Bibliography: p. 16

Outlines a framework for the management of disasters at community level involving multi-organizational and multi-jurisdictional effort. The article acknowledges that a number of disaster management systems exist and are applied by fire departments across North America. However, it is also argued that many of these systems have limited application outside fire departments, and that what municipal response organizations require is a system which is flexible, adaptable, and consistent with the other realities of the disaster response environment. The Emergency Site Management (ESM) system is more closely aligned with the needs of municipalities than any other disaster management system. It permits municipal elected officials and their representatives to maintain their authority over disaster operations. The ESM system is also more conclusive and minimizes the coexistence of varying jurisdictional authorities. It permits the incorporation of a broad range of support from agencies external to the municipality. It emphasizes coordination rather than simply the command of disaster operations. Moreover, it facilitates the flow of information despite a breakdown of one or more organizational linkages. The ESM system is based on two key organizations: one located at the site, the other at the community's Emergency Operation Centre (EOC). Each consists of three operational circles, the primary of which includes representatives of the key response agencies