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.
