NC NEMA leading reorganization of disaster telecommunications

[preciousdove]

NENA Assembles Telecommunicator Task Force
Sep 29, 2005 4:46 PM
http://firechief.com/news/nena_taskforce_09292005/

One of the most critical issues to emerge in the wake of Hurricane Katrina is the need for states to be ready to systematically deploy trained, recognized teams of telecommunicators whenever a local PSAP infrastructure is compromised by a natural disaster or terrorist event. The National Emergency Number Association is spearheading a national effort to address this need.

In addition to several other states, North Carolina is a recognized leader in this area with its Telecommunicator Emergency Response Task Force program. After Katrina struck, the North Carolina TERT received a formal request through the state Office of Emergency Management within the national Emergency Management Assistance Compact to deploy and assist with PSAP staffing in St. Tammany’s Parish in Louisiana. Through EMAC, a congressionally ratified organization that provides form and structure to interstate mutual aid, a disaster-impacted state can request and receive assistance from other member states quickly and efficiently, resolving two key issues upfront: liability and reimbursement. Other states also provided remarkable examples of assistance with TERT-like teams, often on an ad hoc basis. “There has been an outpouring of interest from throughout North America and the world for information about how to establish telecommunicator emergency response teams such as TERT, to share best practices from the lessons of Katrina, and to understand the important role of EMAC in the process,” said David F. Jones, ENP, President of NENA. “To quickly respond to this need, and to take advantage of North Carolina’s expertise and leadership in this area, we are bringing together 911 leaders in Greensboro for this special meeting.”

An important goal for the day-long meeting will be to develop consensus from national and regional leaders for standards, priorities and task force responsibilities. Jason Barbour, NENA second vice president, and co-founder of North Carolina’s TERT, will head the task force.

[preciousdove]

1. Eden Blog talks about RC worrying about "liability"

Thursday, September 29, 2005
Forgotten People

..The locals were shocked and frustrated with all the demands Red Cross had for the space before they'd use it.

"We need dehumidifiers." Says Red Cross.
"We need air conditioning." Says Red Cross.
"We need a 100k generator." Says Red Cross.
"We need to power wash the walls, maybe even repaint." Says Red Cross.
"We're afraid of being sued." Says Red Cross.

After waiting eight days (three weeks after the disaster) Red Cross left, and even took their hot lunch van with them....