The FCC’s Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau is holding a conference 12/11/08 to assess the response of communications response systems in a session called “Summit on Lessons Learned: Hurricane Season 2008.” It will look at how state, local and federal governments, healthcare and industry sectors were able to prepare for and coordinate to weather-related emergencies this year, and look at ways to improve for next year. The session will run from 9AM-1PM and will be held at FCC headquarters in Washington.
RBR/TVBR observation: This is precisely the kind of agenda item that should have broadcasters making as much noise as possible. When the high winds are blowing, wireline services (including electricity) frequently go bye-bye and over-the-air emergency communications become a lifeline for their community. Broadcasters, who can provide critical information over the air to battery-powered receivers, must make sure they are on hand when the going gets tough – and regulators must do what is necessary to assure their presence as well.
