The city has opened a new, state-of-the-art Emergency Operations Center; a high-tech nerve center that will coordinate the city's response to disasters and other major events.

The new Emergency Operations Center is a critical step forward in fulfilling a goal of making Seattle the most prepared city in the country for dealing with emergencies, whether natural or human caused. It is the latest project delivered by the 2003 Fire Levy.

"We can't stop the next earthquake or storm from striking Seattle, but we can be prepared to save lives, protect property and pull ourselves up after a disaster," said Mayor Greg Nickels. "This emergency command center will allow us to send help where it is needed most, when it is needed most."

The new Emergency Operations Center has state-of-the-art technology and space to better allow the city to coordinate emergency responses and keep the public informed. It is designed to withstand major earthquakes, with a seismic standard 50 percent higher than most buildings.

The center is part of the new headquarters fire station that will open later this spring at 105 Fifth Ave. S.

The new Emergency Operations Center will allow the city to coordinate with regional, state, and national operations centers through a host of systems and back-up systems, including the Internet, video-teleconferencing, satellite phones, 800 MHz radio, short-wave/amateur radio, and local, state, and national warning/notification radios.