In addition to the five elements of the Interoperability Continuum, planning is a major factor for interoperable communications. The documents in this section include resources about the 2014 National Emergency Communications Plan, education and outreach programs, and maintaining awareness of the specific issues and barriers that affect interoperability communications

2014 National Emergency Communications Plan (NECP)
Provides information and guidance to those that plan for, coordinate, invest in, and utilize operable and interoperable communications for response and recovery operations.

2010 NECP Capabilities Assessment Guide
Provided guidance for assessing interoperable communications capabilities during the NECP implementation efforts in 2010.

2008 NECP Fact Sheet
Provides a quick overview of the goals in the 2008 NECP.

2008 NECP FAQ
Addresses questions regarding the 2008 version of the NECP, including its goals and plans for implementation.

2008 NECP: Urban Area Communications Key Findings and Recommendations
Provides an in-depth look at the completion of Goal 1 of the 2008 NECP, which proposed that 90 percent of all high-risk Urban Areas designated within the Urban Area Security Initiative demonstrate response-level emergency communications within one hour for routine events involving multiple jurisdictions and agencies.

DHS Releases 2008 NECP
OEC released the first version of the NECP on July 31, 2008.

Coordination and Partnerships Awareness Guide
Describes the importance of partnering with emergency response communities across all jurisdictional boundaries during emergencies.

Interoperable Communications for Planned Events
This guide is intended for emergency response officials responsible for designing and executing interoperable communications plans for planned events in his or her community.

Plain Language Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Addresses questions regarding the importance of adopting plain language to improve interoperable communications.

Plain Language: Making the Transition from Ten Codes to Plain Language
This brochure outlines an approach for States, localities, and emergency response agencies to replace coded language radio transmission with plain language.

Why Can’t We Talk? Working Together to Bridge the Communications Gap to Save Lives
Provides case studies of successful public safety interoperability systems throughout the nation.

Why Can’t We Talk? A Guide for Public Officials
Examines traditional barriers to interoperability and provides information on what needs to be done to overcome them.