initially thought that a tent could be erected by the National Guard so that workers could get under cover in inclement weather; however, the lot in which the Incident Command Post (ICP) was located did not have sufficient room for it. This was due to the lot had begun to fill with other mobile command centers, and it became a problem that needed to be solved. The additional command centers that arrived were manned by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), with each taking a fair amount of space (ODCEM, n.d.).
Southwestern Bell Telephone Company was also represented at this location. They set up a truck, so they could loan cell phones to all legitimate first responder's. This integration of a nongovernmental agency was voluntary. The company wanted to ensure that all personnel that responded to this disaster had working and valid communications. Any time these phones were used, they would take priority over all calls, including that of private citizens. While it took a few hours to erect, the phone company also erected a mobile cell tower to facilitate better communications (ODCEM, n.d.).
Due to the room constraints of this parking lot, it was decided to move the Incident Command Post (ICP) to the Southwestern Bell Telephone Company (headquarters) parking lot. The use of this parking lot was personally offered to the Incident Commander (IC) by the CEO of Southwestern Bell. The Southwestern Bell parking lot presented substantially more accommodations than the previous area. It provided a much larger parking area and a sheltered parking garage where volunteer organizations and private businesses could distribute food, and it provided a place that would protect and store the multitude of donations that were already arriving. The adjacent office building also met the sanitary needs of the emergency and relief personnel (ODCEM, n.d.).
Shortly after changing Incident Command Post positions, additional mobile command units began arriving. Additional mobile command units that arrived included two vehicles from the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety and one command center from the US Marshals Service (ODCEM, n.d.). This Command Post provided an area where all agencies meet and\or liaison with other agencies in an effort to have a more integrated response. If in the event one agency needed to coordinate with another, they only had to walk a short distance to their command center.
After the move to the new location, the Oklahoma National Guard and the Oklahoma City Public Works worked together to set up the National Guard's tent. The tent was used as an Incident Command Post for the National Guard operations. This tent was used for the forward operations for the National Guard until the end of the incident (ODCEM, n.d.).
Shortly after moving to the Southwestern Bell parking lot, the Fire Chief of the Oklahoma City Fire Department assumed command of the incident. Soon thereafter, the FBI and the new Incident Commander ([IC] the Fire Chief) met. Because this incident was a federal building, as well as other reasons, it was determined that the FBI would be the lead investigative agency. The FBI discussed the need for securing the scene to preserve evidence with the Incident Commander (IC). It was determined that a chain link fence was needed to keep unauthorized personnel out of the area. This job was tasked to the Oklahoma City Street Department, who would erect the barrier fence around the scene and the Command Post. While the street department was its own agency, it would work under the direction of the FBI. It was also determined that traffic would be stopped at certain areas, so the Oklahoma City Traffic Management Department was given this task, also under the direction of the FBI, to blockade certain streets (Final Report, 1996).
Everything that has been described about this incident to this point occurred in the first two hours of the incident. While the remainder of the Oklahoma City Bombing incident could be reviewed in similar detail, we will only discuss key points about the remainder of the incident from the details found in the Oklahoma Department of Civil Emergency Management (ODCEM) After Action Report, ([AAR] n.d.) and interviews provided by the Fire Chief, Gary Marrs (Fire Engineering, 1995). Some key cooperation and collaborations that occurred after the first two to three hours included the following:
Day 1
With the help of the City of Oklahoma elected officials, a vacant building was used to house the investigative arm of the incident, including the FBI, ATF, and the DEA.
Ongoing liaison relationships were sustained with the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety, the National Guard, and the American Red Cross, in an effort to facilitate a more unified effort.
The Oklahoma Medical Examiner's office and temporary morgue were set up in a nearby Methodist Church.
Public events personnel set up facilities for housing and feeding rescue workers.
A roped‐off media area was set up to accommodate the influx of local, national, and international media. The media was updated regularly on the first day. After the first day, there were assigned times for press conferences throughout the duration of the incident.
Public events personnel set up accommodations for press briefings.
The Oklahoma Restaurant Association established a 24‐hour food service operation to feed first responders at the Myriad Convention Center.
Public works provided on‐site sanitary facilities, lighting for nighttime work, and trash cans, plus developed a trash schedule for the duration of the incident.
The FBI developed and issued a photo ID so that individuals not involved in the incident could be restricted from entering.
Donation centers were set up to receive donated food, clothing, and other items. Eventually, three donation centers would be opened.
Street cleaning crews began cleaning streets outside of the perimeter, so traffic could resume in the nearby area.
A Forward Command Post for the Operations Section of search and rescue was set up in the loading dock of the Murrah Building.
FEMA Incident Support Team arrived early in the afternoon of the first day and supported the Forward Command Post with electrical power, telephones, copiers, tables, chairs, and other necessary items.
A Family Assistance Center was set up for immediate family members. Family received two briefings per day from the State Medical Examiner's Office. Along with being updated about those deceased or feared dead, there was counseling, and comfort provided. Organizations included in providing comfort were the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, the Oklahoma Funeral Directors Association, clergy members, and mental health professionals.
Security for the Family Assistance Center was provided by the Oklahoma County Sheriff's Office and the Oklahoma National Guard.
The American Red Cross set up temporary shelters to provide for the needs of those who had been displaced by the explosion.
A nonprofit organization based in Oklahoma, Feed the Children, provided food and disaster supplies for first responders. They also set up in the disaster area to distribute food and equipment to first responders. Feed the Children managed volunteers, and if they found a need not being filled, they would contact corporate donors to facilitate what was needed.
The Myriad Convention Center became a central part of ensuring first responder needs were met. The convention center was set up on the first day, and services expanded over the next few days. Services provided to first responders included donated food, donated clothing, medicines, personal care items, optometry services, chiropractic services, podiatry care, massage therapy, and more.
Perimeter security was initially provided by Oklahoma City Police and the Oklahoma County Sheriff's Office. A planning meeting for perimeter security was held with Oklahoma City
