Operations Division The Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency's (HSEMA) Operations Division runs the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) 24 hours-a-day, seven days a week. The EOC is the city's main operational control and communications facility during an emergency, disaster or special event. The center utilizes the latest information system software to monitor the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and District of Columbia Fire and Emergency Medical Services emergency communications systems, and is linked via teletype to the National Weather Service, the Washington Area Warning System (WAWAS) and the National Warning System (NAWAS). The EOC performs four basic functions: Serves as an executive facility for major local and national emergencies, national disasters, and major local special events Collects, analyzes, records, and disseminates essential information for use by decision-makers during local emergencies and major local special events Provides a communications interface with District and federal agencies, including the District of Columbia National Guard, the Military District of Washington, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), other members of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG), and the Virginia and Maryland State Emergency Operations Centers Provides staff for operation of the EOC to direct emergency operations and to assure maximum availability of resources during general emergency conditions or special events During emergencies, the EOC is the focal point for coordination of the many resources needed to respond to and recover from the effects of disasters. Personnel from District, federal, and private agencies report to the center and serve as liaison staff to the director of the Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency to resolve any problems that may surface in an emergency situation. The Operations Division also assists the Special Events Task Group during large outdoor programs, such as the many neighborhood festivals or ceremonies for visiting dignitaries. Field observers and communications staff are detailed to the event to keep the EOC informed of the progress of the event or of any problems that may arise. This division assists citizens who are experiencing family, personal, or non-police/fire emergencies by contacting representatives of the appropriate city agencies. This service is used most often at night and on weekends when other District government agencies are closed. In summary, HSEMA's Operations Division: Gathers information about disasters, crises and emergencies from police and fire communications dispatchers Makes decisions about critical incidents and provides resources accordingly Directs necessary response actions Coordinates assistance by key agencies Dispenses public information Maintains national and District-wide warnings and communications capabilities Provides communications links with media and with response agencies at all levels of government Provides emergency information to the public through the Emergency Alert System