Emergency Communications
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.
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
Priority Telecommunications Services Overview Infographic
Interoperability Continuum
Statewide Communication Interoperability Plans Workshops
Rural Emergency Medical Communications Demonstration Project (REMCDP)
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 .