Montgomery officials activate Emergency Operations Center

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WSFA) - Montgomery officials have activated the Montgomery City/County Emergency Operations Center in wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"The Emergency Operations Center was set up today so that we could really bridge the gap of communication and operations between our governmental agencies as well as our community partners that are looking to help in this time of need," said Reed.

Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed announced the activation of the center Sunday afternoon. The center is the emergency response hub of the Montgomery County Emergency Management Agency. Representatives will be present to deploy resources to the public as needed.

The center will help connect law enforcement, firefighters, education advocates, nonprofit partners and health providers to city leadership and the Montgomery EMA.

"Here in Montgomery we are working with Maxwell Airforce Base and our military leaders, along with our county commission, our county sheriffs department, as well as our police department and other entities to make sure that we can really communicate with one another and we can plan ahead," said Reed.

Inside the EOC law enforcement and first responders will work tirelessly 24/7, until further notice, to ensure that any information in regards to the Coronavirus is being discussed as a unit.

"Now all of the public safety partners are here and we have direct links to our hospitals, links with ADPH and things like that. Everybody knows exactly what's going on together instead of having to make six phone calls or check emails. It's quick and streamlining," said Montgomery County Emergency Management Agency Director Christina Thornton.

Plans are evolving so quickly, Thornton says having that constant communication is pivotal.

“For us to be able to pull the pieces, like MPS’ meal plan on what they’re planning to do on March 23rd after spring break, to keep the kid’s meals going, and things like that,” said Thornton.

As far as testing centers, Reed says the city is working with the Alabama Department of Public Health on a plan.

"We are working with them and again working with Maxwell Airforce Base to really plan, whether that's staging sites to logistics of how we can respond to the community."

Activating the center is one way the city is responding to those needs.

“It’s an ability for us to be able to communicate and share this information and the biggest thing is we will not know if we did overreact, we will know if we under reacted,” said Thornton.

If you have any questions about the Coronavirus you are urged to call the Emergency Operations Center at 334 -625- 4133.

The center will operate 24 hours a day until further notice.

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