FCC Katrina Recommendations

The FCC has issued its recommendations after reviewing communications disruptions in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, including those of first-responders and public safety answering points (PSAP). The Commission recommends that PSAPs designate back-up comm centers to answer calls, improved logistics for telecom companies, and encourages state and local jurisdictions, “to retain and maintain a cache of equipment components that would be needed to immediately restore existing public safety communications within hours of a disaster.” The FCC said the cache would include “Radiofrequency (RF) gear (e.g., Internet Protocol (IP) gateways, dispatch consoles, etc), trailers, tower system components (e.g., antenna systems and hydraulic masts), back-up power equipment, and fuel.” Download (pdf) the entire 82-page document here.