Selective activation refers to a response protocol wherein only specific personnel or agencies within an Emergency Operations Center (EOC) structure are mobilized. This occurs when the nature of an incident necessitates specialized expertise or resources rather than a full-scale activation. For example, a localized water main break might trigger the activation of public works personnel and the water department representatives within the EOC, while leaving other teams on standby.
The value of this targeted approach lies in its efficiency and resource conservation. It prevents unnecessary strain on personnel and infrastructure by focusing only on the resources directly relevant to the situation. Historically, emergency management relied on full activations for a wide range of events, often leading to logistical inefficiencies and increased operational costs. Selective activation allows for a more streamlined and cost-effective response, particularly for smaller-scale or specialized incidents.
