Inland Regional Center (IRC) is a vital organization serving a vast community, including 52,000 + clients, over 6,000 vendors, and 1,200 employees. To ensure the safety and well-being of everyone involved, IRC has established an Emergency Operations Center (EOC).

The Heart of Emergency Management

The dedicated Emergency Services Coordinator (ESC), IT Director, IT Manager, and Program Administrator overseeing Emergency services are at the core of IRC’s EOC. These roles are essential for managing and disseminating critical information during emergencies.

In a large-scale crisis, or whenever necessary, the EOC is supported by leaders from Community Services, the Finance Department, Logistical Support, and the Public Relations team.

Training

The EOC team at IRC has undergone comprehensive Incident Command System (ICS) training to enhance their emergency response capabilities. This training equips the team with standardized procedures and practices to manage crises effectively. By mastering ICS protocols, the EOC team ensures coordinated efforts, clear communication, and efficient resource allocation during emergencies, thereby safeguarding the well-being of the IRC community.

Communication Through Everbridge

A key component of IRC’s emergency communication strategy is the Everbridge Mass Notification System. This powerful tool allows the ESC to quickly and efficiently push out important information to thousands of people.

Here’s how it benefits the IRC community:

• Clients: The 52,000 clients, who depend on IRC for support and services, receive timely updates about potential emergencies, safety instructions, and other critical information.
• Vendors: With over 6,000 vendors, clear and immediate communication is essential. The Everbridge system ensures that all vendors are aware of any disruptions or changes in operations.
• Employees: The 1,200 IRC employees are kept in the loop with real-time notifications, helping them to respond appropriately and maintain the continuity of services.

Why It Matters

Effective emergency management and communication are crucial for the safety and security of any large organization. For IRC, which supports a diverse and vulnerable population, the ability to swiftly communicate during a crisis can make a significant difference. The EOC and the use of the Everbridge system exemplify IRC’s commitment to safeguarding its community.

Stay Informed

If you’re an IRC client, caregiver, or parent, contact your Consumer Services Coordinator (CSC) to ensure that your contact information is up to date. This will help you receive timely notifications and stay informed during emergencies.

If you need help locating the correct person in IRC, please email the client’s name and date of birth to [email protected].

IRC’s proactive approach in establishing an EOC and utilizing advanced communication tools like Everbridge highlights the organization’s dedication to the well-being of its clients, vendors, and employees. Stay safe, stay informed, and know that IRC is always prepared to support its community in times of need.

Do you have any questions or need further information about IRC’s Emergency Operations Center and its services? Feel free to reach out to us! [email protected]

Also, check out IRC’s Emergency and Disaster Management webpage at: www.inlandrc.org/edm

Posted by:

Dr. CJ Cook, DBA

As Program Administrator, CJ is responsible for the proactive oversight of various units within IRC, including Community Management, Service Access and Equity, and Training and Development. CJ's oversight extends to Language Access and Cultural Competency (LACC), Community-Based Organizations (CBOs), equity in the Purchase of Service (POS), and the National Core Indicator (NCI) project. Furthermore, CJ is tasked with managing the IRC's Performance Contract with DDS and overseeing Emergency Services.