Skip to main content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Here’s how you know

Dot gov

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

HTTPS

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock (LockA locked padlock) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency
America's Cyber Defense Agency

Search

 
 
  • Topics
    Cybersecurity Best Practices
    Cyber Threats and Advisories
    Critical Infrastructure Security and Resilience
    Election Security
    Emergency Communications
    Industrial Control Systems
    Information and Communications Technology Supply Chain Security
    Partnerships and Collaboration
    Physical Security
    Risk Management
    How can we help?
    GovernmentEducational InstitutionsIndustryState, Local, Tribal, and TerritorialIndividuals and FamiliesSmall and Medium BusinessesFind Help LocallyFaith-Based CommunityExecutives
  • Spotlight
  • Resources & Tools
    All Resources & Tools
    Services
    Programs
    Resources
    Training
    Groups
  • News & Events
    News
    Events
    Cybersecurity Alerts & Advisories
    Directives
    Request a CISA Speaker
    Congressional Testimony
  • Careers
    Benefits & Perks
    HireVue Applicant Reasonable Accommodations Process
    Hiring
    Resume & Application Tips
    Students & Recent Graduates
    Veteran and Military Spouses
    Work @ CISA
  • About
    Culture
    Divisions & Offices
    Regions
    Leadership
    Doing Business with CISA
    Site Links
    Reporting Employee and Contractor Misconduct
    CISA GitHub
    Contact Us
Report a Cyber Issue
America's Cyber Defense Agency
Breadcrumb
  1. Home
  2. Resources & Tools
  3. Programs
Share:

Resources & Tools

  • All Resources & Tools
  • Services
  • Programs
  • Resources
  • Training
  • Groups

Emergency Communications Policy and Planning

Related topics:
Emergency Communications

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Emergency Communications Division (ECD) supports the advancement of interoperable communications and the adoption of broadband technologies through the development and implementation of strategic planning and national policy and issuance of stakeholder guidance. ECD develops guidance on emergency communications grant programs, oversees the development and implementation of the National Emergency Communications Plan (NECP), establishes criteria for Statewide Communications Interoperability Plans (SCIPs), and develops policy strategies and policy recommendations for the use of land mobile radio (LMR), broadband and other emergency communications technologies by the public safety community. ECD also conducts assessments of the national security and emergency preparedness communications capabilities of federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial public safety agencies.

National Emergency Communications Plan

In 2008, ECD — in coordination with federal, state, local, tribal, territorial, and private sector partners — developed the NECP to serve as the nation's first strategic plan for emergency communications. Since that time, a more complex and interdependent environment has emerged. This includes the utilization of new technologies to communicate and share information during emergencies, such as broadband services, applications, and social media, as well as the modernization of networks, devices, and information systems that support emergency communications. The nation has also adopted more policies that focus on engaging the "whole community" in national preparedness activities.

In 2014, ECD released an updated NECP that incorporates the whole community approach to incident management, focusing on traditional and non-traditional communications methods to better share information and enhance situational awareness. ECD developed the updated NECP in coordination with over 350 federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial partners, as well as private sector stakeholders. The plan provides emergency communications information and guidance, and assists decision makers in setting mission priorities, budgets, and planning for communications technology acquisitions.

  • National Emergency Communications Plan
  • National Emergency Communications Plan Goals

Cyber Risk Analysis and Mitigation Planning

Emergency communications increasingly rely on broadband systems and cyber technologies, and this reliance will grow significantly with the emergence of the Nationwide Public Safety Broadband Network (NPSBN). ECD works to identify, assess, and mitigate risks to the security and reliability of these systems and technologies. The Cyber and Physical Threat and Risk Assessment to Improve the NPSBN (CAPTAIN) program focuses on highlighting and addressing risks to the security, resiliency, and interoperability of the NPSBN. The Mobile Applications for Public Safety (MAPS) program seeks to ensure that mobile applications developed for first responders address both mission-critical needs and security concerns.

Emergency Communications Grants Policies and Programs

Interoperable communications programs encompass a wide range of activities—purchasing new equipment, hosting state meetings, and conducting training—that require significant funding. ECD supports the coordination of grant guidance across the federal government through development of the SAFECOM Grant Guidance on Emergency Communications Grants and support of the Emergency Communications Preparedness Center Grants Focus Group. ECD serves as the program office for the Border Interoperability Demonstration Project.

  • SAFECOM Grant Guidance on Emergency Communications Grants
  • Border Interoperability Demonstration Project
  • Rural Emergency Medical Communications Demonstration Project (REMCDP)

SAFECOM Policy & Planning Resources

  • SAFECOM Resources
  • Communications and Cyber Resiliency Toolkit

 

Tags

Audience
Federal Government, Industry
Topics
Emergency Communications
Return to top
  • Topics
  • Spotlight
  • Resources & Tools
  • News & Events
  • Careers
  • About
Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • YouTube
  • Instagram
  • RSS
CISA Central 888-282-0870 Central@cisa.dhs.gov
DHS Seal
CISA.gov
An official website of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security
  • About CISA
  • Accessibility
  • Budget and Performance
  • DHS.gov
  • FOIA Requests
  • No FEAR Act
  • Office of Inspector General
  • Privacy Policy
  • Subscribe
  • The White House
  • USA.gov
  • Website Feedback