Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Ideas

Neighborhood CERT graduates have acquired an Amateur Radio license and purchased handheld radios. Training and exercise programs presented by the volunteer CERT Radio program emphasize sustainability, self-reliance, and, through use of an international standard protocol, cooperation in a large group. Radio networking among neighbors who live in and are familiar with the affected areas are thus able to maintain effective, ...more »

There are a couple of ICS forms (specifically ICS 205 and 217) that should be updated to incorporate current communications technologies. When these forms were originally created, radio was the dominant, sometimes the only from of communication relevant to emergency responders. Communications in emergencies have since evolved beyond just simple LMR or Amateur radio, and additional modes of communications, such as social ...more »

Can cell or WiFi replace the non-standard radio systems used by first responders, police, and fire?. . . I believe it could. . . It would require a more robust cell / WiFi infrastructure but capabilities of smart phones rival those of base stations and trunked radio systems; software allows for group calls, texts, and email. . . Most already carry a cell phone in addition to vehicle-mounted and hip-mounted radios -- ...more »