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The facility is a centralized command center for first responders (including utility companies and local, state, and federal agencies) to meet during an emergency to coordinate emergency response and disaster preparedness plans. The center is also a resource for emergency planning, training and preparedness.
Yorktown Supervisor Michael Grace said "The facility was much needed and long overdue and will serve Yorktowners and the Northern Westchester community well when faced with a local and/or regional emergency."
The EOC is self-contained and includes communications equipment and has generator power. It is situated adjacent to the Police Department, with access from the rear of the court building. Previously, the town lacked a dedicated facility, and had set emergency and crisis management where-ever there was space.
The Yorktown Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) works under the direction of the Yorktown Police Department to provide emergency information and run shelter operations when the need presents itself in the area. CERT will also benefit greatly from the new center. Tom Diana, a former police officer and member of the CERT team, said the center will facilitate interagency and public-private coordination on critical facets of public safety.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency mandates that municipalities like Yorktown have an emergency center.
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