Expanded Emergency Operations Training Center enhances disaster management training experience

U.S. Rep. Chet Edwards to headline May 27 grand re-opening event

In a world of uncertainty, the Texas Engineering Extension Services (TEEX) Emergency Operations Training Center, or EOTC, prepares those who might face managing large-scale natural or manmade disasters.

Already the finest and most-unique training facility of its kind in the world, the EOTC recently grew from 17,000 to 32,000 square feet to expand its training capacity and capabilities.

Ribbon Cutting and Grand Re-opening

On Tuesday, May 27, at 9:30 a.m., a ribbon-cutting and grand re-opening ceremony will take place at the EOTC, featuring remarks by U.S. Rep. Chet Edwards, Texas A&M University System Chancellor Mike McKinney, Texas A&M Vice Chancellor for Engineering G. Kemble Bennett, and TEEX Director Gary Sera. The ceremony will be followed by light refreshments and tours of the facility.

Technology enhances the EOTC experience

The Emergency Operations Training Center is perhaps the most technologically-advanced facility of its kind, and is operated by TEEXs National Emergency Response and Rescue Training Center, or NERRTC, in College Station, Texas.

The EOTC offers simulated operations ranging from an incident command post perspective or an emergency operations center, to a multi-agency coordination viewpoint at a regional or state level. The result is a total-immersion experience that provides participants an extraordinarily realistic opportunity to manage a large-scale incident.

The proprietary software that provides the real training muscle for the EOTC was developed by Texas A&M Engineering and the Texas Engineering Experiment Station, but under the guidance of NERRTC training experts. The role-playing that occurs in response to computer-injected events can be delivered via several modes: LAN, Web browser, a combination of the two, or in a wireless, stand-alone network. If needed, participants can even be in geographically different locations.

The backbone of the EOTC is the training analysis capability that allows for timely, quality, after-action review of exercise activities. The instructional staff is unparalleled in terms of quality and experience and all have participated in, or managed, a large-scale incident.

About the Texas Engineering Extension Service

TEEX ( http://teex.org/), a member of The Texas A&M University System, offers hands-on, customized first responder training, homeland security exercises, technical assistance and technology transfer services impacting Texas and beyond. TEEX programs include fire services, homeland security, law enforcement, public works, safety and health, search and rescue, and economic solutions.