Links to Agencies, Feds
OEM Opens New Command Center

By GINGER ADAMS OTIS

Mayor Bloomberg and Office of Emergency Management Commissioner Joseph F. Bruno unveiled a new, high-tech emergency command center in Brooklyn Dec. 5.

JOSEPH F. BRUNO: A permanent home, at last.

The 65,000-square-foot edifice replaces the former OEM headquarters that got wiped out on Sept. 11, 2001 when 7 World Trade Center collapsed.

Used Federal Funds

The $50-million facility at Cadman Plaza was paid for by Federal grants. It serves as the central point of coordination for major emergencies and special events, as well as the day-to-day workspace for OEM planning and response personnel.

The Mayor and Mr. Bruno led reporters on a tour of the new building, proudly pointing out the gleaming rows of new computers, state-of-the-art audiovisual and information technology systems.

"We continue to plan for the future while we learn from the past," the Mayor remarked, noting that the location of the city's back-up EOC center would not be disclosed.

The Cadman Plaza site is staffed 24 hours a day and is supported by several independent generators. It's stocked with food and water supplies, and even has rudimentary sleeping facilities in case the Mayor has to spend the night with the agency, as he did during last year's transit strike.

Photo by Ralph Smith 'WE ARE PREPARED': The Office of Emergency Management settled into its permanent home last week after Mayor Bloomberg and (from left) Department of Design and Construction Commissioner David Burney, Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly, FDNY Chief of Department Salvatore Cassano, OEM Commissioner Joseph F. Bruno and FDNY Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta led reporters on a tour of the environmentally friendly building.

The new EOC will soon be able to tap into the Citywide Public Safety Wireless Network, which will provide real-time links to city, state and Federal agencies. It can already access the Fire Department's computerized Command Center at 9 Metrotech.

The building was designed to be environmentally responsible, making it the city's first "green" agency headquarters. It uses recycled materials and installed energy- and water-conservation technology, including waterless toilets.

Mr. Bloomberg lauded the innovations used by the Department of Design and Construction to create the space, while observing that OEM was one of "those agencies that you hope [doesn't] have a lot to do."

'They Make the Difference'

He added that in any emergency, the city's workers mattered more than technology and machinery.

"It's the training and discipline and esprit de corps that our public employees have that really make a difference," the Mayor stressed.

Commissioner Bruno said OEM was honored to be the first "green" city agency headquarters. "We are pleased to do our part for the environment," he commented.

The facility will be used as the operational hub whenever the Citywide Incident Management System (CIMS) needs to be invoked.

It contains an upgraded, technologically advanced "Watch Command" that consists of several workstations, a citywide warning desk, full audio and video recording capabilities, a 15-foot video wall and cutting-edge communications tools.

Link and Monitor

Operating around the clock, Watch Command works with field responders and serves as the central notification point for Federal, state and local agencies during emergencies. Watch Command personnel maintain direct communication with surrounding jurisdictions and the State Emergency Management Office, as well as monitor radio frequencies and dispatch systems for the FDNY and Police Department, and 911 calls.

Additionally, Command personnel track weather conditions through the National Weather Service and disseminate related hazard information.

A temporary EOC facility was used by OEM for events like the August 2003 blackout, the 2004 Republican National Convention, the 2005 transit strike and this summer's power outages in Queens. The building represents the first permanent home for OEM since 9/11.