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SAFECOM and NCSWIC Release Communications Dependencies Case Study: Nashville Christmas Day Bombing

Released
Revised

Author: Ted Lawson, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), Joint SAFECOM-NCSWIC Technology Policy Committee Federal Lead

On the morning of December 25, 2020, an explosion shook downtown Nashville. The explosion occurred outside of an unmarked communication building and caused extensive communications and power outages, flooding, and a fire within the building. Due to the unique nature of the event, crime scene operations prevented the communications provider from entering the building to restore services. In response to impacts of the bombing on public safety communications, SAFECOM and the National Council of Statewide Interoperability Coordinators (NCSWIC) developed theCommunications Dependencies Case Study: Nashville Christmas Day Bombing  document. This document shares lessons learned and key takeaways from the Nashville bombing.

The case study provides public safety officials with knowledge to better prepare for severe communications outages and work with commercial providers and other partners to maintain and restore service. It outlines a timeline for the event and the significant challenges and impacts posed by the bombing on public safety communications. The document describes key takeaways and associated best practices related to communications resiliency; cascading impacts of the explosion including power outages and flooding; and the need for forensic investigation.

The Communications Dependencies Case Study: Nashville Christmas Day Bombing document is part of a series of case studies that builds upon the Public Safety Communications Dependencies on Non-Agency Infrastructure and Services document. Stakeholders are encouraged to share these documents with their respective networks.

For questions about the Communications Dependencies Case Study: Nashville Christmas Day Bombing document, please contact SAFECOMGovernance@cisa.dhs.gov or visit cisa.gov/safecom/technology for additional SAFECOM and NCSWIC technology resources.