Emergency Operations Center (EOC)

Coordinating Sussex County’s Response

The Sussex County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) serves as the central coordination point for countywide emergency response. During significant incidents, representatives from local, state, federal, nonprofit, and private sector organizations work together in one location to share information, coordinate resources, solve problems, and support first responders in the field.

The EOC does not replace on-scene incident commanders. Instead, it provides the coordination, planning, logistics, communications, and resource support needed to help emergency responders protect lives, property, and critical infrastructure throughout Sussex County. This aligns with the County’s Emergency Operations Plan, which emphasizes coordination across agencies while supporting field operations.

2026 Sussex County Emergency Operations Plan

 

Incident Personnel

INCIDENT MANAGEMENT PORTAL  WEBEOC ACCESS

Who Works in the EOC?

Depending on the emergency, representatives may include:

  • American Red Cross and Volunteer Organizations
  • County Administration
  • County Wastewater (Engineering)
  • Delaware Department of Transportation
  • Delaware Electric Cooperative
  • Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA)
  • Delaware National Guard
  • Delaware State Police
  • Delmarva Power
  • Department of Natural Resources (DNREC)
  • Emergency Communications (9-1-1)
  • Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
  • Fire Service
  • Hospitals and Healthcare Partners
  • Law Enforcement
  • Municipal Governments
  • Other local, state, federal, and private-sector partners
  • Public Health
  • Public Works (County Engineering)
  • School Districts
  • Utility Companies
  • Water, Sewer, and Gas Utilities
    • Artesian
    • Chesapeake
    • Tidewater

The Emergency Operations Center is activated when an incident requires countywide coordination or additional support beyond normal day-to-day operations.

Examples include:

  • Hurricanes and tropical storms
  • Severe winter storms
  • Flooding
  • Tornadoes and severe weather
  • Hazardous materials incidents
  • Large public events
  • Public health emergencies
  • Major infrastructure failures
  • Any incident requiring multi-agency coordination

The County’s Emergency Operations Plan allows activation when there is a large-scale threat to public safety or health, when multiple agencies must coordinate their response, or when emergency ordinances are implemented. The EOC may operate from its primary facility or virtually as needed.

EOC Activation Levels

Level Description
Level 4 – Monitoring Emergency Management monitors conditions and shares information while routine operations continue.
Level 3 – Enhanced Monitoring Select personnel increase situational awareness and prepare for potential escalation.
Level 2 – Partial Activation Key agencies report to the EOC to coordinate resources and support field operations.
Level 1 – Full Activation Full multi-agency coordination during major emergencies or disasters requiring significant countywide support.

Activation levels are adjusted based on the complexity, size, and anticipated impacts of the incident.

 

Partners Working Together for Sussex County

Emergency preparedness and response is a team effort. From routine monitoring to full Emergency Operations Center activations, dozens of local, state, and federal agencies work alongside healthcare providers, utilities, private-sector partners, and non-governmental organizations—including community organizations, churches, nonprofits, and volunteer groups—to protect the residents and visitors of Sussex County.

Every emergency is different, and the organizations involved vary depending on the incident. We are proud of the strong partnerships we’ve built and thank every organization for their continued commitment to preparedness, collaboration, and service. Together, we are stronger, more resilient, and better prepared to serve our communities when they need us most.

Public Safety
EM