Callaway County EOC upgrades to aid emergency communications

New overhead monitors have been added to the 911 call center at the Callaway County Emergency Operations Center.
New overhead monitors have been added to the 911 call center at the Callaway County Emergency Operations Center.

To improve communications, new computers and large-screen monitors have been added at the Callaway County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in Fulton.

Michelle Kidwell, Callaway County emergency management director, said the upgrades at the EOC will permit faster exchange of information to and from the center.

Like many other county EOC's, Callaway County has installed large computer monitors in its EOC that can be seen by several people at the same time.

Callaway County Presiding Commissioner Gary Jungermann said the new equipment will enhance the overall effectiveness of the EOC during emergency situations.

"We can view maps and create event logs," Kidwell said.

The large-screen monitors can share visual images at the same time in the main EOC room, the 911 center and the Sheriff's Major Case Squad room.

"It allows people working in those rooms to receive information faster," Kidwell said.

To help the tornado-stricken people of Dumas and surroundings, donations can be made to the Delta Area Disaster Relief Fund, care of the Delta Area Community Foundation, P.O. Box 894, Dumas, AR, 71639, or through the Arkansas Community Foundation, 700 S. Rock St., Little Rock, AR, 72202.