#13. The Command Post and/or EOC will be overrun with non-essential personnel; media, geologists, architects, engineers, representatives from other jurisdictions, etc.

COMMENT:  PLEASE DON’T BECOME A PART OF THIS PROBLEM!   Under the INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM,  COMMUNICATIONS is in the “SERVICE BRANCH”, which is under LOGISTICS.  In large operations, there may or may not be, an EMCOMM representative in the EOC. Radios usually are not appropriate in the “war room” of an EOC.  The EOC may have a  “closed landline” or intercom  to the EMCOMM station, and should be located in lose proximity so written messages can easily be hand-delivered.  Video monitors (muted) are a tremendous asset and can
quietly keep emergency planners updated with a flow of information both in text or graphic form.

EMCOMM “reservists” are not (usually) law enforcement personnel.  But they may be assigned to perform “gate duty” or perimeter control in a large scale operation when law enforcement is in short supply (which it usually will be).  The role of the EMCOMM volunteer * may be to check   ID' s, and to call security to obtain authorization for persons wanting to enter an EOC or Command Post Area. 

IT IS ALSO ESSENTIAL that the EMCOMM operator be properly identified! REMEMBER 99% of all ARES/ACS/RACES/CDF-VIP/ etc. operators will never have any reason to be in the EOC. They will report to a “staging area” for briefing, orientation, and assignment.   

Keep in mind, under the ICS ... EVERYONE has a supervisor. "Lone-Ranger-type
-volunteers” can help the most by staying at  home and watching the news on TV.  (* Not necessarily a ham radio operator.  It might be a police explorer or other registered DSW, using FRS, or even an authorized public service frequency.) - de k6soj