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Emergency Coordination Center Support Team

Photo ECCThe King County Emergency Coordination Center (ECC) Support Team was formed in 1995 to provide support services to the King County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) during disasters and emergency events. The ECC Support Team is a non-profit, all volunteer, community service organization that exists under the Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 118-04 guidelines of the Emergency Worker Program.  Membership is open to individuals with an interest in providing vital emergency operations support to the community during a disaster or emergency situation.  Members must be registered as State Emergency Workers and submit to a criminal history and driving record background checks before participation.


ECC Support Team Profile

The ECC Support Team is made-up of professionals who volunteer their time to support the ECC during activations and other activities.  Support Team members come from a variety of sectors, including local businesses such as Microsoft and Boeing, the health care field, fire departments and communication centers. Some members are retired and simply wish to share their skills during disasters. All members bring special talents to the ECC and participate in a broad spectrum of activities: 

  • Work closely with ECC Program and Operation Managers.
  • Fill leadership and support roles during ECC activations.
  • Participate in ECC projects, programs and activities.
  • Support "Communications Room" activities and communication capabilities.
  • Assist in training, curriculum development and instruction.
  • Develop recruitment strategies and promote ECC Support Team growth.
  • Coordinate the application, review and approval process for volunteers.
  • Provide a mentoring program for new ECC Support Team new members.
  • Maintain membership data and training records.

"The King County ECC Support Team is a highly mobile and motivated team of volunteers with diverse skills and capabilities. It provides timely and quality support services for the Office of Emergency Management."

 Photo ECC Support Team Member

Application for Membership

Logo ECC Support TeamWe seek individuals from all backgrounds who are enthusiastic about contributing their talents in a meaningful way. Membership requires a commitment to attend training and develop good team relationships. The ECC activates for an average of six significant emergency events a year.  Activations can be challenging and fast paced. The ECC and the Team value flexibility and integrity. Applicants should enjoy working in a diverse and exciting environment. Because of the seriousness of the team mission, members should be mature, experienced and able to respond quickly to unpredictable situations. Members are expected to participate in training and exercises on a  regular basis, and to be available to respond to actual disasters and activations when needed.  Steps in the application process: 

  • Application for membership is reviewed by membership coordinator(s) and the OEM Program Manager, and then an interview is conducted with each interested volunteer.
  • With initial approval from the Team Membership Coordinator and the OEM Program Manager, prospective members then complete the "Emergency Worker Application" that is provided by King County Office of Emergency Management. 
  • Members must be registered as State Emergency Workers.
  • Members must submit to a criminal history and driving record background check before participation.
  • New members may be approved for provisional membership while the above steps are being completed.
After new members are approved for provisional membership they can attend and participate in monthly meetings, trainings and exercises as scheduled, and Emergency Coordination Center activities.

ECC Support Team Member Meeting and Training

The Team meets six times a year for Saturday training sessions and team meetings. The ECC also conducts routine trainings and exercises open to ECC representatives, ECC Support Team and King County Office of Emergency Management staff alike. Volunteers go through appropriate training to serve in a capacity in the ECC during emergencies. Team members may also be trained to fill a wide range of roles: Intel Officer (maintaining status boards); Audio Visual Officer (running AV systems); Communications (radio operators/call takers/information routers); Documentation; Security Desk staffing; and support ECC representatives and other officials in the ECC. 

ECC Support Team Member Equipment

Team members maintain a high level of personal emergency preparedness and readiness to respond. Participants must first have their families prepared for disaster. Members of the team should be equipped with personal emergency supplies appropriate for emergency response. In responding to a disaster situation, members should be prepared to be self-sufficient for 72 hours.

Basic team member equipment:

  • Current ID Badge
  • Team Shirt
  • Food/Water
  • Extra clothing and footwear appropriate for unexpected conditions.
  • 10 essentials (details will be provided)
  • Extra batteries
  • Pager
  • Thomas Brothers Street Guide

Other recommended equipment:

  • 2-meter handheld radio at minimum - 800 MHz and 440 capability desired (note: lack of personal radio equipment does not preclude membership on the team.)

Optional equipment:

  • Team jacket and hat
  • Laptop computer

Related Links


Contact information:
 

Web www.metrokc.gov/prepare/about/ecc_support.aspx
Call 206-296-3830
Toll Free 1-800-523-5044
TTY 206-205-7516
Fax 206-205-4056
E-mail ecc.kc@metrokc.gov
Address King County ECC Support Team
   King County Office of Emergency Management
   Program Manager: Heather Kelly
   Renton, Washington
    Office hours: 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.
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  Updated: April 21, 2008