The Vashon Emergency Operations Center serves island residents before and during critical events as activated and directed by Vashon Island Fire and Rescue in collaboration with King County's Office of Emergency Management. With many years of training and activations, we serve as a model organization addressing Vashon's unique geographical and logistical situation.

The Vashon Emergency Operations Center reports - during emergencies - to the Vashon Island Fire & Rescue (VIFR) Fire Chief who serves as the island's Emergency Manager & Incident Commander. VIFR in turn reports up to the King County Office of Emergency Management. They report to the State Office of Emergency Management who then responds to FEMA.

Vashon’s Emergency Operations Team meets the 1^st Wednesday at 6:30 PM each month (except December) just inside the east entrance of the main fire station #55 on Bank Road. (With Covid, its all Zoom of course.) Maybe 20 people show up – experienced and novice alike. That is a great way to gauge what Vashon's key disaster representatives are up to and meet many of the key teams and volunteers. The team operates under the aegis of VIFR and King County during an event, but non-emergency training, activities and finances are handled by VashonBePrepared.

The Vashon EOC strives to follow the standard Incident Control System.

The National Incident Management System (NIMS) is a systematic, proactive approach to guide departments and agencies at all levels of government, nongovernmental organizations, and the private sector to work together seamlessly and manage incidents involving all threats and hazards—regardless of cause, size, location, or complexity—in order to reduce loss of life, property and harm to the environment.