"Disaster Communications"
FCC Staff White Paper Outlines Vision for ‘Deployable Aerial Communications Architecture’ to Improve the Ability to Communicate in Times of Emergency
September 27, 2011The FCC’s Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau released a comprehensive white paper outlining a vision for how “deployable aerial communications architecture” (DACA) can be used to provide communications following a catastrophic event when the terrestrial communications infrastructure is severely damaged or unavailable. The white paper includes recommendations to the Commission for next steps on how to incorporate this technology into the nation’s communications infrastructure.
Read full articleRadio Plays an Important Role in Our Lives
September 21, 2011Radio remains accessible when other modes of communication go down in emergencies. … Disaster communication ultimately hinges on a surefire signal that’s accessible, and radio provides this. As we pick ourselves up and prepare for what might come our way next, it is important that our lawmakers safeguard radio’s incomparable link to public safety.
Read full articleFEMA & FCC Offer Tips for Communicating Before, During & After Disasters
September 21, 2011When disaster strikes, you want to be able to communicate by both receiving and distributing information to others. You may need to call 9-1-1 for assistance, locate friends or family, or let loved ones know that you are OK. During disasters, communications networks could be damaged, lose power or become congested. This fact sheet provides two important sets of tips. The first will help you prepare your home and mobile devices for a disaster. The second may help you communicate more effectively during and immediately after a disaster.
Read full articleEmergency Center OK’d
September 1, 2011TAMPA: Just days after Irene ravaged the East Coast, Hillsborough County administrators used the proposition of a hurricane hitting the Tampa Bay area to sell county commissioners on the need for a $31.4 million public safety complex.
Read full articleFCC Keeps Close Watch on Outages
August 29, 2011Hurricane Irene has caused some disruption so far to local communications systems, and the FCC is keeping a close eye on phone and TV service as the storm makes its way up the East Coast. The agency’s teams in the field have recorded some outages to landline service, affecting perhaps 12,000 customers, mostly in North Carolina.
Read full articleFCC to Investigate Cell Phone Logjam after Earthquake
August 25, 2011WASHINGTON, D.C. – Aug. 23, 2011 – The magnitude 5.9 earthquake in northern Virginia once again underscored the critical need for allocating the D Block spectrum and funding to public safety to build a nationwide interoperable broadband network, announced APCO International. This moderate earthquake, which was felt from North Carolina to Toronto and beyond, demonstrates why first responders need a nationwide interoperable network. A more severe earthquake could have resulted in devastating loss of life and property in the heart of our Nation’s Capital.
Read full articleWorcester Ramping Up System to Notify People of Emergencies
August 16, 2011WORCESTER, Ma. — The city has launched an electronic notification system to alert residents about emergencies and other critical community news. ALERTWorcester can notify signed-up residents about severe weather, unexpected road closures, utility problems, parking bans, fall leaf pick-ups, power outages, evacuations and other items of importance.
Read full articleEmergency Sirens Create False Alarm in Maui Area
July 13, 2011Honolulu (AP) — Sirens used to alert residents to emergencies such as tsunamis have accidentally gone off twice in a Hawaii neighborhood in the past two days.
Read full articleDealing with the Unexpected
June 30, 2011Stress, anxiety and fear are common emotions people experience during disasters—both natural disasters and personal crises. As a public safety telecommunicator, on duty you’re familiar with how to calm others in life-and-death situations, but what about you personally? How do you stay calm? Here are seven techniques to help you stay calm when dealing with the unexpected.
Read full articleNorthCom Event Aims to Solve Disaster Communication Issues
June 22, 2011By Tom Roeder, The Gazette Original publication date: June 19, 2011 Colorado Springs, Colo. — U.S. Northern Command has wrapped…
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