[SFDXA] Homeland Security’s 2014 National Emergency Communications Plan Incorporates Amateur Radio

[Bill]

    Homeland Security’s 2014 National Emergency Communications Plan
    Incorporates Amateur Radio

**
11/20/2014

The US Department of Homeland Security’s 2014 /National Emergency 
Communications Plan/ (*/NECP/* <http://www.dhs.gov/necp>) has 
incorporated Amateur Radio in its mix of media that could support and 
sustain communications in a disaster or emergency. The 2014 /NECP/ is 
the first update since the original plan was released in 2008. 
The/NECP/ is “the nation’s over-arching strategic plan for enhancing 
emergency communications capabilities and interoperability nationwide,” 
DHS said in announcing the updated plan on November 12.

“[A]mateur radio operators…can be important conduits for relaying 
information to response agencies and personnel when other forms of 
communications have failed or have been disrupted,” the /NECP/ states.

The /NECP/ also describes changes that lie ahead for emergency 
communication systems, such as 9-1-1 systems. “In the future, Next 
Generation 9-1-1 will enhance the capabilities of current 9-1-1 
networks, allowing the public to transmit pictures, videos, and text 
messages that will provide additional situational awareness to 
dispatchers and emergency responders,” the /NECP/ says.

The updated /NECP/ stresses the importance of interoperability. It 
recommends that state, regional, and local administrations “assess their 
existing governance structures to ensure they are positioned to address 
current and emerging policy, technology, and planning developments.” 
This effort, the /NECP/ continues, could include the addition of 
representatives from the Amateur Radio community to statewide 
interoperability governing bodies and executive committees.

The NECP also recommends that federal, state, local, tribal, and 
territorial jurisdictions “identify domestic and international entities 
with potential roles in information sharing and the delivery of 
emergency communications during emergencies,” such as Amateur Radio 
operators. “As appropriate, these entities should be incorporated into 
training and exercise activities on a more regular basis,” the NECP 
suggests.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) — a part of the 
Department of Homeland Security — is headed by a radio amateur and ARRL 
member, W. Craig Fugate, KK4INZ.

http://www.arrl.org/news/homeland-security-s-2014-national-emergency-communications-plan-incorporates-amateur-radio