FCC Asks For Input on Future Storm Preparedness

In the wake of a destructive storm that swept the midwest and east coast last June, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is asking for input from stakeholders on how the nation’s 911 networks can be protected against future weather events. The storm arose quickly with tornado-like winds and heavy rain, knocking down trees and utility poles, which in turn interrupted electric power and communications over a wide area. In its Public Notice, the FCC said there were “isolated breakdowns” among 911 networks in Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, and Pennsylvania, and system-wide failures in northern Virginia and West Virginia. “It appears that a significant number of 9-1-1 systems and services were partially or completely down for several days,” the FCC said. The FCC activated its Operations Center 24-7 to collect network status information and expedite any regulatory requirements needed to speed restoration of critical systems. Now, after gathering facts on the storm’s damage, the FCC is expanding its inquiry by asking for feedback from the public and public safety agencies on the storm’s impact and effects. Among the questions the FCC raises are: causes of 911 or telephone outages, how did service providers become aware that 911 outages had occurred, what role did the availability or absence of back-up power for network equipment play in 911 outages, is there an estimate of how many 911 calls could not be completed at all or only through alternate means, and to what extent does the public have more than one way to reach 9-1-1 that are not reliant on each other? Download (pdf) the FCC’s Public Notice here.

In a press release in response to the Public Notice, the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO) said that first vice president Terry Hall, executive director Derek Poarch and chief counsel for law and policy Jeff Cohen met with FCC commissioners on the subject of the storm. “During these meetings, APCO representatives shared some thoughts on the recent 9-1-1 outages that affected the Washington, D.C. area,” the association said. “APCO is pleased to see the Commission seek public comment on the recent local 9-1-1 outages, and looks forward to partnering with the FCC and other stakeholders to address the critical questions raised, which will ultimately help prevent future outages from occurring,” Hall said.

Brian Fontes, CEO of the National Emergency Number Association (NENA), said the association, “fully supports the FCC’s inquiry into the 9-1-1 service interruption of June 29 and commends their issuance of its Public Notice. During times of natural or manmade disasters, it is critical that 9-1-1 remain operational and available as the vital lifeline between the public and emergency responders. It is our hope that lessons learned from this examination will enable state and local governments, telecommunications companies, 9-1-1 service providers, and Public Safety Answering Points to work together and ensure that future losses of 9-1-1 service can be minimized or mitigated to the greatest degree possible.”