SHOC: AN ALL–INCLUSIVE APPROACH TO MASS CARE

About the Program

Category: Risk and Emergency Management (Best in Category)

Year: 2014

The San Bernardino County Fire Office of Emergency Services (OES) has developed an innovative approach to mass care and sheltering – Shelter Operations Compound (SHOC). SHOC combines the typical shelter comforts provided by the Red Cross with value-added services for clients/evacuees from local government. The SHOC is a multi-discipline operation involving more than 24 County Departments and several affiliated volunteer organizations. The SHOC is divided into three parts: Management, Operations, and Logistics. A Local Assistance Center (LAC) can also be included to provide a “one-stop shop” opportunity for clients. A Planning Team developed the SHOC concept over several years resulting in the development of plans to address roles and responsibilities, concept of operations, facilities/sites, etc. A SHOC site is designed to support 3,500-5,000 clients, and it is anticipated that the County could facilitate three SHOC compounds simultaneously. In June 2012, a Tabletop Exercise was held to introduce the SHOC to County employees followed by a Functional Exercise in June 2013. A three (3) tiered training for SHOC was developed thru the exercise after action.