| Description |
1 online resource (iv, 97 p.) : ill., maps |
| Note |
Title from cover screen (GAO, viewed July 28, 2009). |
|
"June 2009." |
| Summary |
Emergency communications breakdowns undermined response efforts during terrorist attacks in 2001 and Hurricane Katrina in 2005. In response, federal agencies like the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Federal Communications Commission (FCC) have increased efforts to enhance emergency communications. This requested report identifies (1) vulnerabilities, if any, to emergency communications systems; (2) federal assistance available or planned to first responders for addressing vulnerabilities or enhancing emergency communications; and (3) challenges, if any, with federal emergency communications efforts. GAO developed six catastrophic disaster case studies, reviewed agency documents, and interviewed public and private sector officials at the national, state, and local levels. GAO recommends that DHS complete efforts to help implement the National Emergency Communications Plan; DHS and FCC establish a forum or other mechanism to collaborate on significant agency emergency communications efforts; and DHS leverage its expertise to help federal agencies develop emergency communications plans. |
| Bibliography |
Includes bibliographical references. |
| Note |
"GAO-09-604." |
| Subject |
Emergency communication systems -- United States.
|
|
Emergency management -- United States.
|
|
United States. Department of Homeland Security -- Rules and practice.
|
|
United States. Federal Communications Commission -- Rules and practice.
|
| Added Author |
United States. Congress. Senate. Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, and the Internet.
|
|
Wise, David.
|
| Added Title |
Vulnerabilities remain and limited collaboration and monitoring hamper federal efforts |
| Gpo Item No. |
0546-D (online) |
| Sudoc No. |
GA 1.13:GAO-09-604 |
|
