Technology news and solutions to the local government authorities that help protect our communities.
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- Aug 4, 2008
When Vermont's emergency response community switched to a new Internet protocol (IP)-based 911 telecommunications system in two data centers in February 2007, it put the state on the leading edge of the nationwide transition to next-generation 911 (NG 911) call centers.
Across the country, regional and state officials are working on standards and funding mechanisms to shift from legacy systems to IP-based networks - gaining the flexibility to handle emergencies and bringing the country's 6,500 call centers into the 21st century.
In essence, 911 centers are working to catch up with the profusion of consumer devices that send and receive text, data and digital images.
In a few years, most call centers should be able to exchange and disseminate text messages to the public alerting them of emergencies, as well as stream videos of bank robberies and transfer those images to police squad cars. And when a tanker truck flips over on the highway, a passerby will be able to take a photo with ...Continue Article...
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Geographic terrain, an overloaded infrastructure and outdated technologies put into question a jurisdiction's level of optimal interoperability in an emergency situation. Emergency Management would like to understand the problem as it relates to dispatch centers ability to communicate with first responders effectively. Click Here to take the survey
Case Study - Morris County, New Jersey The Morris County Communications Center upgraded to a new trunked radio system with the benefits of a cellular network, extending coverage beyond county lines
Case Study - Iredell County, North Carolina Spanning over 570 sq miles, it became imperative that the Iredell County Emergency Communications, Operations and Management extend it's communications systems to enhance reliability, security, and coverage.
Case Study - City of Anaheim, California The City of Anaheim saw an opportunity to leverage existing GST and partner with nearby cities to enhance safety operations through data interoperability.
Case Study - Charlottesville, Virginia Fire Department Taking advantage of a range of interoperability solution, the Charlottesville Fire Department has achieved a network that can serve as backup to their existing public safety network.
Optimal Interoperability Until recently it was not possible to cost effectively connect commercial networks to LMR systems. Improvements in communications technology have resulted in greatly enhanced operational capability and have reduced the log-term cost of communications system ownership.
Sprint ERT Go-Kit with GST Optima Rapid, interoperable communications for emergencies, drills and field exercises.
DHS Grants and Assistance Programs Link to overview of available grants administered by The Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
Fact Sheet: Fiscal Year 2008 Preparedness Grants Major changes in funding and focus for 2008 DHS grant programs
Remarks on 2008 Homeland Security Grant Guidance DHS Secretary Michael Chertoff and FEMA Administrator David Paulison
DHS FY 2008 Infrastructure Protection Activities An overview, released May 16, 2008.
2008 Infrastructure Protection Activities Funding Awarded by the DHS
Funding Resources for Your Community's Communications Project