Emergency Mobile Operations Center is the primary Mobile Command Post vehicle for Catawba County Emergency Services Department. This 1987 model Bounder Motor home was modified to function as an Emergency Mobile Operations Center. The Vehicle, 37' long, 10' 1/2 vertical, and 8' wide has heavy-duty suspension. A 7.5k KVA generator mounted above the engine compartment provides sufficient power to operate this vehicle, including “shore power” electrical capabilities. The size of the generator satisfies all other electrical needs at command post locations. A small crew galley and restroom compliment the interior of the vehicle.

Emergency Services Staff designed the interior configuration of the vehicle. There are a total of seven specific workstations. Each workstation is equipped with a lap top computer, landline phone and a cellular telephone. Additionally, a FAX/Scanner/Copier machine and a digital camera printer are located inside the vehicle. To round out the communications capabilities of this mobile command post, satellite telephone and radios are available to the command post staff. An AM/FM radio, and two TV sets (with companion VCRs) capable of receiving cable channels are also located inside the vehicle. A TRP 1000 multi frequency radio command center complements the onboard radio console. This command post vehicle has the ability to communicate with any public safety agency in North Carolina. With the satellite radio and cellular telephone, this vehicle is able to maintain statewide communications with multiple agencies in addition to the State Emergency Operations Center during disasters and other critical incidents.

The construction of this vehicle was an in-house project of the Catawba County Emergency Services Department. We are confident that this command post vehicle will meet the needs of this agency well into the 21st Century. It will serve the emergency needs of our community and enhance this department's ability to professionally respond to these events.