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About VDEM  

Agency Structure

Finance Division • Human Resources • Local Support Services Division • Office of Training and Exercises • Operations Division • Preparedness Division • Public Affairs Office • Recovery and Mitigation Division • Technological Hazards Division

Operations Division

VDEM Mobile Command Post Vehicle

The VDEM mobile command post is a custom designed state-of-the-art Emergency Response Vehicle that made its state debut in 1995. Its design and role is to provide a mobile command facility for emergency incidents throughout the Commonwealth in areas where an existing field structure may not be suitable, or available. This vehicle is fully equipped with specialized equipment for immediate utilization among a wide range of different emergency events and situations. The VDEM command post is capable of responding anywhere within the Commonwealth of Virginia within two hours of a request plus travel time. Two operators accompany the unit and can be completely set up and operational within 60 minutes of arriving on scene (excluding response time from local utilities).

Features

Map Station

• Drawers hold topographical-sized state maps and a plexiglas display board.
• Maps slide into place behind the plexiglas and can be marked with a grease pencil

Communications Room

• Work space for up to two people with access to the computer, printer, scanner, satellite telephone and fax machine next door.

Work Stations

• Six work areas that can support up to two telephones, a modem and a laptop computer.
• Cupboards provide storage space and can also be written on and wiped clean.

Conference/Policy Room

• Boasts cellular phone jacks and two TV/VCRs so visiting officials can view videotapes of the incident.
• Can be converted into two more work stations if necessary.

How to Request the Mobile Command Post

Contact the Virginia Emergency Operations Center via telephone at 1-800-468-8892 or 804-674-2417 and a Communications Officer will be happy to assist you.

What information is needed from a jurisdiction when requesting the MObile Command Post?

• Type of event, i.e. forest fire, chemical spill, search and rescue mission, flooding
• Location of event and location where MCP is requested to respond and set-up-Include specific directions to the set up site along with contact information for a site person who will be the liaison. Also provide jurisdiction 911/dispatch center 24/hour contact telephone number
• Reason for the request, i.e. used as Communications/dispatch, mobile command post for the event, work/meeting space etc. Also provide workers' titles that will utilize this unit
• Will telephone lines be needed?
• Is there a power connection nearby where power connections from Command Post can be wired in by local power company or will generator power be used for the entire event?
• What frequencies will be used at the incident for the Command Post?
• Are there bathroom facilities available for staff deployed with the Command Post?
• This information may be not be available when the initial request is made; however, it will be needed before the mobile unit is deployed.