The Emergency Services Coordinating Agency (ESCA) manages the emergency response during disasters that overwhelm local resources. Current members include the cities of Brier, Edmonds, Kenmore, Lake Forest Park, Lynnwood, Mill Creek, Mountlake Terrace, Mukilteo and the Town of Woodway.

Emergency Operations Plan (EOP)
The Mountlake Terrace Emergency Operations Plan was developed by the city’s emergency management committee and the Director of the Emergency Services Coordinating Agency.

The Emergency Operations Plan lays out the framework for the city’s organizational activities during disaster operations. Specifically, the Plan provides guidance for mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery operations including disaster and emergency responsibilities and procedures, and training and community education activities. The Plan also establishes a mutual understanding of authority, responsibilities and functions of local government and provides a basis for incorporating essential non-governmental agencies and organizations into the Emergency Management Organization.

ESCA coordinates with cities to prepare their respective disaster response plans, to conduct training, and to carry out exercises to validate the plans. During disaster situations, ESCA activates their Emergency Operations Center (EOC) at their headquarters office. The individual cities also operate their own EOCs, staffed by trained personnel, forming a local network for emergency response and resource allocation.

ESCA and the city’s Emergency Operations Center work together in a coordinated effort to direct and control a jurisdiction-wide disaster response. Together, they assess threats to life and property, allocate fire, police and EMS resources, maintain communications, and keep the Washington State Emergency Management Division and surrounding jurisdictions informed of the local disaster situation.