Emergency Communications Division

Established in 2007 in response to communications challenges faced during the attacks on September 11, 2001 and Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency's (CISA) Emergency Communications Division supports and promotes communications used by emergency responders and government officials to keep America safe, secure, and resilient. CISA leads the Nation’s operable and interoperable public safety and national security and emergency preparedness (NS/EP) communications efforts. CISA provides training, coordination, tools, and guidance to help its federal, state, local, tribal, territorial and industry partners develop their emergency communications capabilities. CISA'S programs and services coordinate emergency communications planning, preparation and evaluation to ensure safer, better-prepared communities nationwide. Vincent DeLaurentis serves as the Acting Assistant Director for the Emergency Communications Division.

Planning and Preparedness Activities

CISA plays a key role in ensuring federal, state, local, tribal and territorial agencies have the necessary plans, resources, and training needed to support operable and advanced interoperable emergency communications.

Response Support

CISA plays a role in supporting response efforts by ensuring that its stakeholders have the tools needed to communicate during steady state and emergency operations. CISA manages priority telecommunications programs that support emergency communications and communications restoration. Following response efforts, CISA works with its stakeholders and regional personnel to document best practices and lessons learned to promote improvements in emergency communications during future events.

Sign Up to Receive the Emergency Communications Updates

CISA provides updates on emergency communications policies, technology developments, local exercises, grant programs, and other items of interest for the NS/EP and emergency responder community. Please click here to sign up to receive Emergency Communications updates.