U.S. CODE

U.S. Code

§ 321d. National Operations Center

(a) Definition

In this section, the term “situational awareness” means information gathered from a variety of sources that, when communicated to emergency managers and decision makers, can form the basis for incident management decisionmaking.

(b) Establishment

The National Operations Center is the principal operations center for the Department and shall—

(1) provide situational awareness and a common operating picture for the entire Federal Government, and for State, local, and tribal governments as appropriate, in the event of a natural disaster, act of terrorism, or other man-made disaster; and

(2) ensure that critical terrorism and disaster-related information reaches government decision-makers.

(1) Establishment of position

The Secretary shall, in consultation with the Administrator of the United States Fire Administration, establish a fire service position at the National Operations Center established under subsection (b) to ensure the effective sharing of information between the Federal Government and State and local fire services.

(2) Designation of position

The Secretary shall designate, on a rotating basis, a State or local fire service official for the position described in paragraph (1).

(3) Management

The Secretary shall manage the position established pursuant to paragraph (1) in accordance with such rules, regulations, and practices as govern other similar rotating positions at the National Operations Center.

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