The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has introduced the final version of the National Response Framework, which will become effective March 22, 2008. The Framework will serve as a guide for implementing a coordinated emergency response process by aligning key roles and responsibilities across the nation amongst government and non-government entities.

The National Response Framework is in five chapters. Each chapter explains the key responsibilities and best practices that should be used at each level of government, the private sector, and NGOs.

• Chapter I - Roles and Responsibilities. This chapter sharpens the focus on who is involved with emergency management activities at the local, tribal, State, and Federal levels and with the private sector and NGOs.
• Chapter II - Response Actions. This chapter describes what we as a Nation collectively do to respond to incidents.
• Chapter III - Response Organization. This chapter explains how we as a Nation are organized to implement response actions.
• Chapter IV - Planning: A Critical Element of Effective Response. This chapter emphasizes the importance of planning and summarizes the elements of national planning structures.
• Chapter V - Additional Resources. This final chapter summarizes the content and plan for the online NRF Resource Center. This website provides supplemental information to assist practitioners implement state-of-the-art support for the Framework with additional support tools shaped by and addressed to the response community.

The FRC recognizes the importance of planning and organizing between different entities as outlined by the Framework, but believes that the DHS guidelines will fall short of its goals without seamless interoperable communications. To realize the potential of the Framework, the FRC believes that Homeland Security should also create guidelines for developing and implementing effective interoperable networks. Together, both the National Response Framework and interoperable communications guidelines will dramatically improve the nation's emergency response capabilities.

News and notes from the world of first responder communications. . .

Frontline Wireless Drops Out of 700 MHz Auction
We told them so! With the 700 MHz auction rapidly approaching, Frontline Wireless a company that fought for setting aside part of the spectrum for creating a national public safety network said that it would no longer bid in the auction and has gone out of business. Analysts believe Frontline dropped out because it could not raise the minimum $1.3 billion it needed to bid for the 10 MHz of commercial spectrum in the public safety D-block. FRC was among a number of focal critics of the Frontline efforts, which seemed designed more to profit a few companies than to really help First Responders. It is not clear who will bid for this set aside spectrum at this point.

Nominate a First Responder for an E9-1-1 Institute Award
The E9-1-1 Institute is sponsoring the 5th Annual Awards Ceremony for first responders that have used emergency communications effectively. The Caucus Co-Chairs Senator Ted Stevens, Senator Hilary Clinton, Representative John Shimkus, and Representative Anna Eschoo will be handing out the awards. You can nominate a first responder for an award HERE.

FRC in the News!
The FRC is featured in a Citizens Voice article, which explains how the Pennsylvania legislators hope to make September 25 the official day to recognize its first responders.

In the previous post, I explain how first responders in North Carolina generally agree with the FRC's belief that improved interoperable communications, increased opportunities for training, and more funding would improve emergency preparedness. Here are some upcoming public safety events that will help first responders and government officials address these issues.

Who: National Defense Industrial Association
When: January 14 - 17, 2008
Where: Los Angeles, CA
What: The 2008 Homeland Security S&T Stakeholders Conference-West will offer uniformed first responders free training and information programs on January 14 and 17. First Responders will have a chance to ask the Science and Technology Directorate about public safety technology requirements at the state and local levels.

Who: The Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials International (APCO)
When: January 28 - 30, 2008
Where: Orlando, FL
What: This year's 2008 Winter Summit will focus exclusively on technology, the only executive-level event tailored to foster technical information sharing with others in the public safety communications field. The event will provide Public Safety Directors, Administrators, and Agency Chiefs with the opportunity to learn from Chief Technology Officers about important technology issues including: regulatory impacts of radio and rebanding, VoIP and wireless connectivity issues and strengthening networks and standardizing data exchange.

Who: The All Hazards Consortium
When: February 20 - 21, 2008
Where: Shepherdstown, WV
What: AHC will continue its mission to promote regional collaboration and evacuation procedures for Mid-Atlantic states at the
local and state level. The meeting will also focus on identifying possible collaboration efforts (e.g. regional baseline studies, exercises, gap analysis, database strategies, pilot projects, tools, and policy development) that may be funded or undertaken over the next several years.

News and notes from the world of first responder communications. . .

Informed Medical Emergency Response: A Video About The Importance of Interoperable Communications

COMCARE is a non-profit advocacy group that focuses on improving emergency response efforts. The organization has created a video that explains the importance of interoperable communications and how such a network should operate. Be sure to watch this informative video by clicking HERE.

Emergency Preparedness: N.C. Summit Reveals Recurring Problems Faced By First Responders

On November 15, 2007, local and state first responders and government organizations convened at Western Carolina University to discuss how to "Prepare Today's Leaders for Tomorrow's Emergencies." The University's Public Policy Institute (PPI) summarized the summit's key findings in a policy and recommendation report. Some of the key findings noted in the report include the need for:

• More state-of-the-art interoperable emergency communication systems that work in the mountain terrain of Western North Carolina. This was identified as a top priority.
  
• Additional training and educational opportunities and resources are needed for officials at the local, state and federal levels.
  
• Increased funding to purchase better technology, equipment and personnel resources.

It is not surprising that these core issues identified by North Carolina government and first response officials are the same problems that hinder other emergency officials throughout the country. Since its inception, the FRC has supported the need for interoperable communications and increased collaboration between different levels of government for emergency planning. Now that the main problems of emergency response have been identified, government and emergency officials must work together to find practical solutions to these problems.

News and notes from the world of first responder communications. . .

The FCC Discusses 700 MHz Interoperability and 10 Year Network Build-Out Plan

Federal News Radio recently interviewed Erica Olsen, FCC Deputy Bureau Chief for the Public Safety & Homeland Security Bureau, regarding how the FCC intends to create an effective national public safety network within the 700 MHz band. Some main points of the conversation include:

o The FCC believes that the goal of the public safety band is to create a more cohesive interoperability emergency network, to prevent past emergency communications problems experienced during the 9/11 terrorist attacks and after hurricane Katrina.

o The interoperability standards will be developed through the network sharing agreement that is agreed to by the Public Safety Spectrum Trust and the commercial licensee.

o The FCC has set time-specific benchmarks for the build-out of the public safety network. The FCC will use the benchmarks as a way of monitoring the commercial licensee's progress of developing a national public safety network within 10 years.

To listen to the entire discussion, click HERE and scroll down to "Communicating Faster."

Alabama is First State to Have State-Wide GIS Database

Alabama Governor Bob Riley recently announced that Alabama has created the first state-wide Geospatial Information Systems (GIS) program in the country. Under Riley's direction, the Alabama Department of Homeland Security and Google Earth have created a "Virtual Alabama" database that includes the GIS mapping data from each county. The database includes detailed satellite imagery and three-dimensional structures of critical infrastructure throughout the state. With access to Virtual Alabama, the governor believes emergency officials will be much better equipped to respond to large scale disasters.

A recent FRC blog post explains the how GIS technology has improved emergency response in Clark County Alabama.

Bloomberg Introduces "Notify NYC" Emergency Public Information Pilot Program

New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg recently introduced a pilot program called Notify NYC. By sending emergency information via e-mail or text messages, the pilot program allows individuals to receive information occurring four areas of New York City. Based on the type of emergency, Notify NYC will either send "alerts," time sensitive information about emergencies or "notifications," general information advisories. People interested in signing up for Notify NYC can do so by clicking HERE.