DHS releases national emergency communications plan

Not a moment too soon: Seven years ago communication problems hobbles a more effective response to 9/11. Three years ago similar problems hurt the Hurricane Katrina response. Yesterday, 31 July, DHS released the first strategic plan aimed at improving emergency response communications, and complementing overarching homeland security and emergency communications legislation, strategies, and initiatives. The plan is called the National Emergency Communications Plan (NECP). DHS says that plan was formulated to address gaps and determine solutions so that emergency response personnel at all levels of government and across all disciplines can communicate as needed, on demand, and as authorized. “The NECP is the nation’s first strategic plan to improve emergency response communications, and complements overarching homeland security and emergency communications legislation, strategies and initiatives,” DHS said. “This is a comprehensive plan designed to drive measurable and sustainable improvements to operable and interoperable emergency communications nationwide over the next three years. It emphasizes the human element and cross-jurisdictional cooperation, going beyond simply buying new equipment,” said DHS under secretary Robert Jamison. “We have recently approved Statewide Communication Interoperability Plans for all 56 states and territories. Aligning these plans with the NECP will move emergency communications forward and further promote a coordinated nationwide strategy.”

The NECP defines three goals that establish a minimum level of interoperable communications and a deadline for federal, state, local, and tribal authorities:

• By 2010, 90 percent of all high-risk urban areas designated within the Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI) can demonstrate response-level emergency communications within one hour for routine events involving multiple jurisdictions and agencies.
• By 2011, 75 percent of non-UASI jurisdictions can demonstrate response-level emergency communications within one hour for routine events involving multiple jurisdictions and agencies.
• By 2013, 75 percent of all jurisdictions can demonstrate response-level emergency communications within three hours of a significant event, as outlined in the department’s national planning scenarios.

The NECP aims to enhance governance, planning, technology, training and exercises, and disaster communications capabilities with recommendations and milestones for emergency responders and relevant government officials. It is designed to drive measurable and sustainable improvements over the next five years consistent with the: National Response Framework; National Incident Management System; National Preparedness Guidelines; and Target Capabilities List.