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Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency
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Emergency Communications

CISA provides plans, resources, and training to support emergency communications for first responders.

Emergency Communications

  • Emergency Communications Coordination
  • Emergency Communications Planning
  • Priority Services

Overview

Emergency response personnel are tasked with responding to incidents of varying scope and incredible magnitude. Emergency communications systems are critical to transmit information that first responders rely on during a crisis. Their ability to communicate must be dependable and time sensitive to help minimize the risk to life, property and recovery during emergencies.

CISA’s Role

CISA helps ensure the public safety, national security, and emergency preparedness communities can seamlessly and securely communicate during steady state and emergency operations to keep America safe, secure, and resilient.  

CISA enhances public safety interoperable communications at all levels of government and conducts extensive, nationwide outreach to support and promote the ability of emergency response providers and relevant government officials to communicate in the event of natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other hazards. CISA provides plans, resources, and training to support operable and interoperable emergency communications for first responders.

Emergency Communications Coordination

CISA Emergency Communications Coordination ties together disparate regional needs, fosters collaboration, and establishes overarching communication strategies that meet the needs of all stakeholders.

Emergency Communications Planning

CISA supports emergency communications officials and other leaders with strategic planning efforts to build capabilities and adopt emerging technologies.

Priority Services

Priority Services enable essential personnel to communicate when needed most if networks are degraded or congested.

Featured Content

National Emergency Communications Plan

The National Emergency Communications Plan (NECP) is the Nation’s strategic plan to strengthen and enhance emergency communications capabilities and interoperability. 

Statewide Communication Interoperability Plans

Statewide Communication Interoperability Plans (SCIPs) are state and local jurisdiction plans designed to enhance emergency communications. CISA provides SCIP Workshops to states and territories who need help implementing the plans.

Implementing the NECP Webinar Series

Watch this collection of webinars to learn more about the National Emergency Communications Plan (NECP) and how to implement it for your organization.

Resources

National Emergency Communications Plan Resources

SEP 08, 2014 | PUBLICATION
A collection of documents related to the National Emergency Communications Plan (NECP).
View Files

Priority Telecommunications Services Overview Infographic

APR 29, 2021 | PUBLICATION
An overview of Priority Telecommunications Services, which allow your calls to overcome network disruptions.
Download File (PDF, 4.81 MB)

Interoperability Continuum

JUN 15, 2021 | PUBLICATION
The SAFECOM Interoperability Continuum assists emergency response agencies and policy makers in planning and implementing interoperability solutions for data and voice communications. Jurisdictions across the nation can use this to track progress in strengthening communications.
Download File (PDF, 2.84 MB)

Services

See all Emergency Communications Services

Statewide Communication Interoperability Plans Workshops

Contact: ecd@cisa.dhs.gov
SCIPs are locally-driven, multi-jurisdictional, and multi-disciplinary statewide plans to enhance emergency communications. The SCIP creates a single resource for all stakeholders and a unified approach for enhancing interoperable communications.

Rural Emergency Medical Communications Demonstration Project (REMCDP)

The National Emergency Communications Plan (NECP) establishes goals, objectives, and actions to enhance and improve interoperable and operable emergency communications. The NECP recommends improved planning and coordination across the Emergency Communications Ecosystem.
See all Emergency Communications Services

Programs

Priority Telecommunications Services

CISA offers three priority telecommunications services that enable essential personnel to communicate when networks are degraded or congested: GETS, WPS, and TSP.

Interoperable Communications Technical Assistance Program

ICTAP supports state, local, and tribal emergency responders and government officials across all 56 states and territories through training, tools, and onsite assistance to advance public safety interoperable communications capabilities.

SAFECOM

SAFECOM works with existing federal communications programs and key emergency response stakeholders to address the need to develop better technologies and processes for the coordination of existing communications systems and future networks.

Tribal Emergency Communications Program

The Tribal Emergency Communications Program supports Native American & Alaska Native tribes through consultative engagement, outreach, advocacy, technical assistance, and inter/intra-agency coordination to ensure strong public safety communications.

Contact

For more information, contact the Emergency Services Sector Risk Management Team at ECD@cisa.dhs.gov .

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