Polk County Emergency Management plans and coordinates the preparation, response, and recovery from natural or man-made disasters in Polk County. It manages the County Emergency Operations Center (EOC), which is the central coordination facility for all disasters and acts as the primary emergency command and control center for the county’s government.

Each county agency has a working position within the EOC’s 11,694 sq. ft. facility. Integrated audiovisual control systems, as well as amateur radio communications stations assure that first responders have the best possible information in any situation. Ham radio operators in Lake Ashton send requests for medical, fire, and rescue assistance directly to the appropriate agencies through these stations.

Some Lake Ashton “hams,” if not needed here, will act as volunteer radio station operators at the EOC.