Emergency Operations Centres (EOCs) are the nerve centres of crisis coordination — places where clarity, communication, and composure are essential. Yet for many organizations, the EOC remains an unfamiliar and underdeveloped resource, and given consideration only once an emergency is underway.

We at Ally are proud to introduce our EOC Bootcamp Series, a collection of reflections and insights from Dave Whittier, Senior Associate at Ally Emergency Management. Dave brings decades of hands-on experience to his writing — from his years as a Commanding Officer with the Canadian Armed Forces, to his current role at Ally where he works with clients to develop emergency training and exercises that help teams across many sectors prepare for effective EOC activations.

Originally published on Dave’s LinkedIn, these short articles blend field-tested advice with lessons learned the hard way. From EOC activations and communication breakdowns to policy group dynamics and the Semper Gumby motto — each post explores key aspects of an EOC activation, and best practices for EM professionals of all industries.

Whether you’re a seasoned emergency manager or new to the world of emergency management, we hope these articles offer insight, spark discussion, and help your organization prepare for what comes next.

Interested in reading more? Check out Dave’s first post in the EOC Bootcamp Series: What’s an EOC Supposed to do?