When an emergency occurs, each state agency carries out its responsibilities independent of other agencies.
The activities of state agencies must be closely coordinated if the state is to respond effectively.
The purpose of the State Emergency Operations Center is to facilitate that coordination.

SEOC Levels

Level 1 : Full State/Federal Response

  • A full activation of the State EOC occurs to support complex incidents involving multiple jurisdictions. It involves federal agency assistance when the incident overwhelms the state’s ability to respond.

Level 2 : Partial SEOC Response

  • There is dedicated support for smaller-scale incidents where one or a few local jurisdictions may be overwhelmed and request state level support.

Level 3 :Expanded Monitoring and Support

  • Enhanced level of monitoring for ongoing or anticipated events that may require additional staffing to support. Assigned staff may still be supporting daily operations.

Level 4 : Active Monitoring and Support

  • Staff are actively monitoring severe weather conditions and other emerging threats. Incident support coordination occurs as needed.

Consideration for Determining Event Levels

 The following factors will be considered in determining the level of the event and subsequent EOC activation.

  • Tornado Warnings for multiple counties resulting from a storm system passing through the state.
  • Winter storm or blizzard warning
  • Predicted rapid and heavy rate of snow fall
  • Imminent threat of flash flooding
  • Large evacuation
  • Shelters opening in response to large evacuations
  • Events that cause significant disruption to community activities and affect public safety
  • Closure of major portions of the Interstate system or Highway 41
  • Potential or actual impacts on critical facilities
  • Resource request or need for involvement of multiple state agencies

Other severe weather factors:

  • Number of counties affected
  • Population in the affected counties
  • Transportation and infrastructure affected
  • Ability of staff to respond to State EOC
  • Potential for extensive power outages
  • Timing of the weather event (i.e. holiday travel, on-going special events, etc.)