Emergency Communications: Vulnerabilities Remain and Limited Collaboration and Monitoring Hamper Federal Efforts

摘要

For the first time, the National Emergency Communications Plan provides an overarching strategy for emergency communications at all levels of government. This plan and other significant federal efforts represent an increasingly strategic approach by the federal government to enhance emergency communications and address existing vulnerabilities. Collaboration and monitoring remain critical components for success given the complex nature of emergency communications, the number of stakeholders involved, and the numerous efforts underway. Those federal agencies that do not use collaboration best practices jeopardize the success of not only their own efforts, but those of other agencies who have a role in supporting and enhancing emergency communications. Identified emergency communications vulnerabilities may not only persist, but deteriorate further as supporting infrastructure ages and technology continues to change. Establishing an effective governance structure by completing a MOU and establishing the Emergency Communications Preparedness Center would improve the implementation of efforts that depend on the participation of multiple agencies, such as the National Emergency Communications Plan. Other federal efforts, such as FCC's 700 MHz Public/Private Partnership proceeding would also benefit from DHS and FCC establishing a common vision and mutually reinforcing strategies. This would help the agencies speak with one voice as they work with state, local, tribal, and private stakeholders. Given DHS's past experience and expertise in leveraging resources to assist states with emergency communications planning, it is well suited to offer similar assistance to federal agencies. Such assistance would help ensure that agencies plan for an emergency response, including evaluating how their communications assets and capabilities could best assist state and local first responders in disaster. Like collaboration, monitoring is crucial for ensuring advancement of federal efforts to enhance emergency communication. Improved monitoring and accountability of stakeholder and advisory committees recommendations-including agencies considering, deciding, and acting on such recommendations-would boost the value of these groups by monitoring agency responses, avoiding duplication of efforts, and identifying opportunities to work with other agencies.