WESTAMPTON – Burlington County’s emergency management team is dealing with one of the biggest winter storms this decade, and they’re coordinating the County’s response from an updated Emergency Operations Center. The Burlington County Office of Emergency Management activated the County Emerg ency Operations Center at 6 AM today as part of the County’s ongoing winter storm response. It marks the first time the Center has been activated since the County completed a $1 million upgrade of the facility this fall. Housed in the lower level of the Burlington County Public Safety Building on Academy Drive in Westampton, the Emergency Operations Center functions as the main coordination point for all significant disasters or emergencies in the county, including extreme weather, natural disasters, large-scale health emergencies, terror attacks and other incidents. The center has 24 work stations, communications hub and meeting space for emergency management coordinators and representatives from state, county, local and federal agencies, plus medical services, utilities and other County departments active during emergencies. The EOC is expected to remain staffed for the duration of the current weather event. Among the staff present are Burlington County Office of Emergency Management personnel, Burlington County Health Department, Burlington County Public Works and Engineering, Burlington County Information Technology and representatives from the New Jersey State Police and the American Red Cross. Numerous other Burlington County departments and agencies are also interacting through the EOC remotely. “Burlington County is taking an all-hands-on-deck approach to this weekend’s winter storm with numerous county departments working together with local and state partners to keep residents safe and respond to whatever conditions and emergencies occur,” said Burlington County Commissioner Deputy Director Allison Eckel, the liaison to the County Department of Public Safety. “The Emergency Operations Center is a critical hub where these different departments and agencies interact, gather information, plan and coordinate a response. The improvements the County completed enhanced communication and information sharing capabilities, and we’re seeing the benefits from the new equipment during this weekend’s storm.” The EOC updates and enhancements were: – Installation of a new information/video wall consisting of multiple interactive monitors capable of displaying maps, video conferences, news reports, traffic cameras, dispatch reports, satellite feeds and other data in real-time to assist with planning, response and information gathering. – New multi-purpose workstations and all-in-one computers for both operational agencies and support services. – New telecommunications equipment and cameras to support enhanced teleconference meetings, training sessions and information sessions. – New conference table, conference monitor and smart boards for in-person and virtual meetings. – New video screens in the Emergency Management Coordinator and Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator offices for news or information displays. – Updated EOC computer servers, battery backups and software to allow workstations, video screens and telecommunication equipment to continue to operate if other infrastructure fails. The upgrades also allow the EOC information wall and work stations to access both Burlington County and New Jersey Department of Transportation highway traffic cameras, as well as Central Communications computer assisted dispatch data. The improvements cost approximately $1 million and were funded with the assistance of a $637,195 federal grant awarded to Burlington County as part of a FY2024 government funding package. “Our Commissioner board believes in making smart investments that benefit the health, safety and welfare of Burlington County residents and the people who put their lives on the line to serve and protect them,” said Commissioner Randy Brolo. “It’s gratifying to know the support and tools we provide are aiding planners and responders during events like this storm.” — Courtesy of Burlington County ...read more read less