![]() In particular, Maine communities must come into full compliance with a federal mandate to convert to narrowband transmission systems, which provide more airspace for radio traffic. Maine’s emergency communications system, is in “a relatively healthy position” McAleer told the committee, but more work must be done. Portable repeater antennas in each of Maine’s 16 counties to boost radio signals in remote areas.Ī new high-security Emergency Operations Center in Augusta that is equipped to manage large-scale disasters over time. Other emergency communications and response investments in Maine include:įour self-contained mobile command vehicles with state-of-the-art radio, cellphone, Internet and satellite capabilities. In addition, MEMA has stored “radio caches” at border crossings to ensure emergency responders crossing the border have access to interoperable communication equipment. McAleer said Maine’s 600-mile border with Canada has presented a unique challenge to interoperability, which has been met by conducting a series of cross-border emergency communications working sessions with local, state and federal partners on both sides of the border. “These jurisdictions have taken steps to ensure they are able to communicate with neighboring communities,” he said. Fortunately, most Maine responder groups use VHF radios that transmit on similar frequencies, he said, but in some areas, such as the cities of Portland and South Portland, different frequencies are used. In addition, McAleer said Maine has been working to ensure communications “interoperability” - the ability of emergency responder groups to communicate via the same radio frequencies without interference. ![]() ![]() McAleer testified that Maine has used approximately $9.5 million in federal grants for upgrading and standardizing communications hardware just since 2007, including the acquisition of handheld radios, antennas and other communications equipment for first responder groups such as firefighters and law enforcement agencies. “What do we have to show for it?” she asked. Over the past 10 years, Collins said, the federal government has spent $13 billion to improve emergency communications nationwide. Commercial telephone and electrical networks were destroyed and incompatible radio systems could not connect responder groups with each other, she said, crippling rescue and recovery efforts. “Incredibly, when Hurricane Katrina hit in 2005, we saw exactly the same kind of problems,” she said. The hearing was called as a 10-year status review of the nation’s emergency communication capabilities since the 2011 attacks.įirst responder groups at the World Trade Center were hampered by an inability to communicate effectively with each other as well as with people trapped on the upper floors of the burning towers, Collins noted in her opening remarks. Joseph Lieberman of Connecticut is the committee chairman. Susan Collins serves as the ranking Republican member. MEMA Director Robert McAleer testified before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, on which Sen. Senate committee on Wednesday that emergency communications in the state have improved since the terrorist attacks of 2011, thanks in large part to federal funding. The director of the Maine Emergency Management Agency told a U.S.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |