Emergency Communications Month
GET CONNECTED AND STAY CONNECTED
GET Connected and Stay Connected
This April, as we celebrate Emergency Communications Month, we are prioritizing the people who support the systems on which we rely and highlighting the role of emergency communications as a vital function. Most importantly, CISA is encouraging all emergency communications partners to “Get Connected and Stay Connected” by enrolling in the agency’s free priority telecommunications services.
Collaboration is in CISA’s DNA and is the foundation of our emergency communications mission – our stakeholders identify their challenges and guide the development of resources to address those challenges. Because this message is so important, the CISA has designated April as Emergency Communications Month.
Through its emergency communications mission, CISA conducts extensive, nationwide outreach to support and promote the ability of emergency response providers and government officials to be able to communicate in the event of a natural disaster, terrorist act, or other hazard. CISA also provides guidance on how facilities can establish protocols for identifying and reporting significant cyber incidents to appropriate facility personnel, local law enforcement, and the agency.
Ensure your priority call goes through
When you get a "busy" or an "all circuits are busy" tone during an emergency or adverse conditions, using Government Emergency Telecommunications Service (GETS) or Wireless Priority Service (WPS) helps get your call through to its destination.
During the month, CISA will also recognize and celebrate National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week (NPSTW), which is held annually during the second week of April to honor telecommunications personnel for their commitment, service, and sacrifice. Visit CISA Emergency Communications as well as our SAFECOM and NCWIC pages for more information and resources.
Guides and Best Practices
These resources provide guidance and best practices to improve emergency communication planning.
Radio Frequency Interference Best Practices Guidebook
Operational Best Practices for Encryption Key Management
Emergency Communications Technical Assistance and Planning Guide
Public Safety Resources
Public safety is the core of CISA's Emergency Communications mission. These resources provide guidance for various intersections between communication and public safety.
Communications and Cyber Resiliency Toolkit
Cyber Risks to Public Safety: Ransomware
Public Safety Communications Dependencies on Non-Agency Infrastructure and Services
Public Safety Unmanned Aircraft System Resource Guide
Public Safety Communications: Ten Keys to Improving Emergency Alerts, Warnings, and Notifications
Next Generation 911
Salute to Emergency Communications Coordinators: Stories from the Field
From planning to disaster response to assessments, our Emergency Communications Coordinators engage stakeholders across the nation and address the complex issues facing the emergency communications ecosystem.
Fact Sheets and Posters
These quick references provide a one-page overview of important emergency communication topics.
Encryption Key Management Fact Sheet
Protect Your Center from Ransomware Poster
Priority Telecommunications Services
Cyber Resiliency Resources for Public Safety Fact Sheet
Blogs
The Next Frontier in Priority Services Capabilities: Multimedia Applications And Information Services Over Wi-Fi, Cellular, and Cable Networks
Celebrating Telecommunicators Series: Preparing for Multimedia Use
Celebrating Telecommunicators Series: “Collaboration Across Federal, State, Local, Tribal, and Territorial (FSLTT) Agencies: How Telecommunicators Benefit”
Celebrating Telecommunicators Series: CISA’s Celebration of Emergency Communications Month and National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week
SAFECOM and NCSWIC Resources
CISA's SAFECOM and NCSWIC resources are aimed at improving emergency response provider's emergency communications.
SAFECOM Interoperability Continuum Library
The SAFECOM resources library is organized according to the elements of the Interoperability Continuum.
SAFECOM Funding Resources
These resources are available to help state, local, tribal, and territorial governments to identify available funding sources, plan emergency communications projects for federal grants, and inform decision-makers on the importance of funding.
SAFECOM Nationwide Survey
The SAFECOM Nationwide Survey (SNS) is a nationwide data collection effort to obtain actionable and critical data that drives our nation’s emergency communication policies, programs, and funding.
SWIC Factsheet
This factsheet provides an overview of the National Council of Statewide Interoperability Coordinators (NCSWIC) including their history, goals, and accomplishments.
NCSWIC Membership
The NCSWIC Membership page offers an interactive map to view contact information for each region as well as a listing of NCSWIC leadership and executive committee members.
Hotwash Comment Card
Submit a comment card to NCSWIC using this template. The NCSWIC will use this information to improve offerings and lessons learned.
Checklist for Communications Technology in Training and Exercises
A checklist for Statewide Interoperability Coordinators (SWICs) when introducing new and emerging technologies to state trainings and exercises.
National Emergency Communications Plan (NECP) Webinars
The National Emergency Communications Plan (NECP) webinar series is designed to provide the public safety community with practical solutions intended to help organizations improve their emergency communications capabilities through the implementation of the NECP.