Burlington County’s emergency management team is responding to a significant winter storm by operating from its recently upgraded Emergency Operations Center (EOC). The center was activated at 6 AM and is being used for the first time since completing a $1 million renovation last fall.
Located in the lower level of the Burlington County Public Safety Building in Westampton, the EOC serves as the primary site for coordinating responses to major emergencies such as extreme weather, natural disasters, health crises, and other incidents. The facility includes 24 work stations, a communications hub, and meeting spaces for representatives from various agencies at different levels of government, medical services, utilities, and county departments.
The EOC will remain staffed throughout the duration of the storm. Staff on site include personnel from Burlington County Office of Emergency Management, Health Department, Public Works and Engineering, Information Technology, as well as representatives from New Jersey State Police and the American Red Cross. Other county departments are participating remotely.
“Burlington County is taking an all-hands-on-deck approach to this weekend’s winter storm with numerous county departments working together with local and state partners to keep residents safe and respond to whatever conditions and emergencies occur,” said Burlington County Commissioner Deputy Director Allison Eckel. “The Emergency Operations Center is a critical hub where these different departments and agencies interact, gather information, plan and coordinate a response. The improvements the County completed enhanced communication and information sharing capabilities, and we’re seeing the benefits from the new equipment during this weekend’s storm.”
Recent upgrades to the EOC included installing an information/video wall made up of interactive monitors for real-time data display; new multi-purpose workstations with all-in-one computers; updated telecommunications equipment; improved conference facilities; additional video screens in coordinator offices; updated computer servers with battery backups; and software enhancements allowing access to highway traffic cameras and dispatch data even if infrastructure fails. These upgrades were funded in part by a $637,195 federal grant awarded through a FY2024 government funding package.
“Our Commissioner board believes in making smart investments that benefit the health, safety and welfare of Burlington County residents and the people who put their lives on the line to serve and protect them,” said Commissioner Randy Brolo. “It’s gratifying to know the support and tools we provide are aiding planners and responders during events like this storm.”
Burlington County is New Jersey’s largest county by area at 827 square miles according to its official website. It operates under a Board of County Commissioners consisting of five at-large members with Eve Cullinan serving as county administrator [source]. The county encompasses 40 political subdivisions: three cities, six boroughs, and 31 townships [source].
