Waukesha County Activates Emergency Center At 'Level One' State

WAUKESHA, WI – Citing a greater need to protect the public, the Waukesha County Department of Emergency Preparedness has activated its Emergency Operations Center in order to enhance the community response to the new coronavirus, COVID-19.

“When emergencies occur, Waukesha County and our local partners immediately begin implementing the plans they already have in place,” said Waukesha County Executive Paul Farrow in a news release Wednesday morning. “Activating the Emergency Operations Center allows agencies to continue implementing those plans while increasing the coordination among all agencies involved.”

Waukesha County’s center was fully activated at a level one, its highest level, at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, March 18, Farrow said. Officials said the center has been open in a virtual state since the county declared a state of emergency on March 13. The Waukesha County Emergency Operations Center will coordinate with municipal centers, local healthcare systems, and first responders to facilitate an effective response to COVID-19. The Waukesha center will also coordinate directly with Wisconsin’s state center.