Mobile command centers help us when we need them the most. They help government agencies, municipalities, and police departments. You can use mobile centers for emergency response, helping citizens as a mobile nursing station or hospital.
When you are looking for portable command centers, especially in times of crisis, to save lives, efficiency is of the utmost importance. We know you want a mobile command center that works at its finest, in its finest hour, to do the work you need to do.
That is why we have seven ways that we want to tell you about to help your mobile command center be more efficient. Ready to learn more? Let’s get into the details.
1. Develop a Good Floor Plan
First, you want to consider your interior space. Many vehicles will max out at 30 feet. This is a constraint, but you can work with it if you are efficient.
You need a creative floor plan. Factoring in the space needed for the engine and mechanicals is important. These are parts of the mobile centers that eat up space.
Most commonly, a mobile command center will have the following:
- Area for workstations
- Conference room
- Kitchen
- Bathroom (we will discuss this in more detail momentarily)
Incorporating a slide out helps to expand the floor space.
2. Restroom Accommodations
Efficient mobile command centers take into consideration restroom needs. This is also a part of maximizing the floor plan. However, removing the bathroom can give you extra space.
Motor Coach Association ran a survey that discovered nine out of ten customers with on-board restrooms would not do so again because no one wants to dump the tank or clean it. It is possible that the restroom will become an inefficient closet. A portable toilet may be a better option.
3. RV or Tow Vehicle
How much space you will have for the mobile command center depends on if you are choosing an RV or Recreational Vehicle type you can drive or if you are towing the vehicle.
A tow vehicle type will give you more options in terms of floor space, but keep in mind that you must have a vehicle available that can tow it when you need to. If you are concerned about having a towing vehicle, then you should choose an RV type set up so that you can drive it as part of the mobile command center.
4. Communications Equipment
Central to your layout is your communications equipment. There are tons of options, and it all depends on what you will need for emergency response. You can completely customize a mobile command center to what you need, including the use of a satellite.
5. Satellite Communications
You never know exactly where your mobile command centers will need to be. The front line of emergency response can be in a remote area and the internet may not be great or accessible.
Satellite communications give you the reassurance you need to know that you can always communicate no matter what is happening around your mobile command center. Even if normal communication resources are out of service or fail, the satellite can help you keep up and running with communications.
6. Power Requirements
To handle an emergency response with the highest efficiency, you will want to take into consideration the power sources you will need available to your team. How much power that you predict you will consume should consider things like:
- Auxiliary power (12V DC and 120V AC)
- Climate control
- Total power consumption needed for all communication systems
You can choose a stand-alone generator if that will work. Only as a backup should you choose a PTO-driven (chassis-driven) generator.
For a PTO-driven generator, it requires that the drivetrain and chassis engine are operating while in use. This adds noise.
7. Interior Lighting Considerations
We recommend you include interior illumination that is effective and eco-friendly, like LED lighting. They offer your emergency response team longer lifespans plus lower energy costs. LED is a hard-working and dependable option.
Emergencies can happen any time of the year and any time of the day. You may need to operate at night-time in the dark. Ensure that you have proper lighting to help the people you need to assist and keep safe.
Benefits of Investing Well
Building an efficient mobile command center allows your first responders to be safe and dry, no matter the weather or climate, and congregate in one location. If your people need to complete paperwork or perform research, they have a secure location to do that.
Public Safety
You can use a mobile command center to ensure public safety at a concert or parade. Public safety in large gatherings is a top priority. When you synchronize multiple wireless surveillance cameras, it gives your responders more “eyes” on what is going on at the event or celebration.
Hostage or Standoff
If there is a hostage situation or standoff, the same way you have more surveillance and wireless communication for a celebration, you can have more “eyes” on the ground. Your people are better equipped to watch what is happening and speed up decision-making processes.
Crime Scene
If there is a crime scene, a mobile command center gives the ability to analyze evidence right away. You can place an immediate crime lab in the space on the interior so responders and law enforcement can analyze without delay, allowing for more information to be readily available.
Upgrade a Used Command Center
First Responders often use a mobile command center in situations where they are stationary for a long time. This means that they won’t easily put on a lot of miles. You could refurbish a used mobile command center and easily upgrade it with the latest equipment.
Communication Equipment for Mobile Command Centers
Born in 2005 in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, we created our organization, Comprehensive Communication Services (CCS). Our number one focus is providing platforms for mobile communication. It is critical that First Responders can effectively communicate when they need to the most.
When looking for a robust line of mobile command centers, you want to integrate critical communication equipment for effectively handling a crisis. Contact us today to learn more. Let’s save lives together.