FROM THE IAFC:
During the coronavirus pandemic, it is critical that departments evaluate their
communications posture and take steps to ensure the right resources, mitigation
strategies, and tools are in place to manage uncertainties. Innovative thinking
and rapid adaptation of procedures will enable departments to safeguard
themselves and their communications during the outbreak. Based on input from
the IAFC’s Communications Committee, the association recommends that departments
SCREEN, PLAN, and REEVALUATE as they prep their communications for the demands
of the public health emergency.
The IAFC recommends departments SCREEN:
* Ensure that the department is following NFPA guidelines for monitoring and
maintaining communications systems.
* Check the cyber and physical security posture of voice communications and
land mobile radio sites.
* If a metropolitan department, make sure the department has enough parts
available to repair radios.
Think of ways to PLAN:
* Ensure that the department has a plan to respond to outages of backhaul
networks.
* If the department has a backup communications center available, prepare to
utilize the center in the event it is needed.
* Plan to utilize alternate voice communications technologies, such as LTE
push-to-talk applications, if radio outages occur.
* Evaluate whether the department needs access to additional spectrum for
backhaul, etc.
And REEVALUATE existing procedures:
* Survey whether radio technicians need medical screening, given their contact
with department radios.
* Ensure radios are sanitized between shifts, according to manufacturer
guidelines.
* Implement a daily system status check.
* Conduct preventative maintenance on radio systems.
* Consider restricting PSAP facility access to employees only and evaluate the
need to require these employees to self-monitor for symptoms.
Chiefs responsible for emergency communications centers may have additional
items to consider. The IAFC recommends that these chiefs:
* Refresh or create a department’s continuity of operations plan (COOP) for the
PSAP, including planning for a reduced workforce.
* Institute measures that would situate 911 telecommunicators 6-10 feet apart.
* Based on the levels of community spread, evaluate whether call takers and
dispatchers should be wearing face masks and/or hand protection.
* Initiate comprehensive sanitizing procedures for the call center.
* Ensure administrative personnel (e.g. trainers) are prepared to take calls if
necessary.
* Investigate alternate technology applications that would enable remote
call-taking.
DOWNLOAD DOCUMENT HERE: COVID-19 Communications Guidance_4.1 (1) (1)
For further information please refer to official CDC guidance for 911 call
center operations during the COVID-19 pandemic: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/guidance-for-ems.html
…..as well as the IAFC COVID-19 RESOURCE SITE:
https://www.iafc.org/topics-and-tools/resources/resource/coronavirus-resources-for-fire-chiefs
Take Care. Be Careful. Pass It On.
BillyG
The Secret List 4/2/2020-1400 Hours
