FEMA Participates In Vehicle Communications Demonstration
FEMA was one of more than 60 agencies and jurisdictions to participate in the National Capital Region's (NCR) Interoperable Vehicle Communications Demonstration hosted by Fairfax County, Va. on May 30, 2008.
The event brought together communications vehicles and personnel to demonstrate interoperable capabilities across the federal, state and local levels within the NCR. First responders had an opportunity to tour various command units and observe the latest technological advances incorporated into the NCR. Operators had the opportunity to network and increase their working knowledge of interoperability communications equipment and how to support it. They also demonstrated how to establish communications between agencies and organizations using their available resources.
Participants at the event included the Department of Defense Joint Force Headquarters NCR, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Central Intelligence Agency, the NCR American Red Cross, U.S. Coast Guard, Maryland Emergency Management Agency, Virginia Department of Emergency Management, D.C. Fire and Emergency Management Services Department and FEMA's Office of National Capital Region Coordination. FEMA's Mobile Emergency Resource Support (MERS) unit displayed its ability to provide mobile telecommunications, life support, logistics, operational support and power generation required for the on-site management of disaster response activities.
The NCR's local first responders can now all talk to each other. This means fire fighters and police officers can communicate with their counterparts across multiple jurisdictions. The Interoperable Vehicle Communications Demonstration allowed the NCR to target barriers and learn how to better communicate with one another in a time of need.
FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terrorism.
Last Modified: Wednesday, 04-Jun-2008 18:16:26 EDT