Intergovernmental Advisory Committee: Disaster Response Coordination

Thu Nov 14 21:15:41 UTC 2019

The FCC's IAC has published its report on emergency communication impacts 
of the various hurricanes and disasters in 2018 and early 2019.  These 
include Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, Maria, Michael and Nate.

No surprises.  I've seen essentially all of the issues and recommendations 
in other after action reports.

https://www.fcc.gov/document/fcc-issues-advisory-committee-public-safety-and-telehealth-reports

Intergovernmental Advisory Committee to the Federal Communications 
Commission
Advisory Recommendation No: 2019-3
In the Matter of Intergovernmental Disaster Response Coordination
November 7, 2019

The recommendations herein include best practices to promote resilient 
communications during and after an incident to help ensure first 
responders and the public have access to reliable communications when 
disaster strikes. The importance of maintaining resilient communications 
during and after a disaster cannot be overstated. Sometimes, the ability 
to communicate during and after a disaster is a matter of life and death.

[...]

RECOMMENDATIONS
In summary, in order to fine-tune preparedness, response and recovery 
between state, local, and Tribal governments, the IAC recommends:

• Regular training, coordination, and communication is a must. It must be 
conducted during “blue skies.” When an emergency is occurring, it is too 
late to start coordinating.

In addition to training for government workers, Training, outreach, and 
coordination must be provided for the citizens and “stakeholders” that we 
are trying to protect. A properly trained and informed community is a 
resilient community.

• A formal infrastructure must be identified with representatives from all 
stakeholders, who meet throughout the year to familiarize themselves with 
each other, identify common threats, and coordinate training and response. 
For example, the South Carolina Emergency Operations Plan is reviewed 
annually to ensure state agencies and voluntary organizations understand 
each other’s responsibilities and capabilities. At least twice annually, 
the South Carolina Emergency Management Division hosts workshops for 
counties to discuss issues and concerns. Further, regional workshops are 
conducted quarterly throughout the state.

• All involved parties must have open and redundant lines of communication 
during normal operations, as well as during emergencies. In order to be 
efficient and effective, state, local, and Tribal government must know 
what each other is doing. They must also be aware of the general 
capabilities and the available resources that each agency involved can 
contribute.