by AllThingsECC.com | Feb 19, 2021 | Comm Center News
NORFOLK – Public safety communications equipment will soon be enhanced after approval of a memorandum of understanding. Earlier this week, Public Safety Director Shane Weidner presented to the Norfolk City Council the agreement which allows the placement of Nebraska Regional Interoperable Network equipment on the City’s communications tower. “Which then links to a series of towers across the State of Nebraska. This is used for data transfer for public safety information. Anything from backup 911 systems to video arraignments. It’s only for public safety and it’s very protected infrastructure…
by ECC Editor | Feb 19, 2021 | Comm Center News
Because of an upgrade to its 911 emergency network, the Cortez Dispatch Center is asking businesses and organizations to check that they can still reach 911.
Businesses and organizations that have a phone system with more than one extension are encouraged to talk with their phone system provider and IT staff to ensure their system is configured correctly for 911 calls… READ MORE
by AllThingsECC.com | Feb 19, 2021 | Comm Center News
Hurricane Irma revealed flaws in Lee County’s emergency system.
But now those flaws have been fixed. In case of emergency or disaster, first responders can now be sure they’ll hear each other on their radios. Crews spent Thursday installing a tower shelter to protect Lee County’s new emergency communications system.
The $14 million project will triple the capacity of emergency communications, improve radio workability between first responders and provide storm resilience in the case of a major storm…
by ECC Editor | Feb 19, 2021 | Articles, Comm Center News
More than 80% of calls to 911 come from a cellphone and often from a high-rise. But in cases when callers can’t communicate their location, the over 5,000 locally run 911 centers, or public safety answering points (PSAP) aren’t easily able to track them. Fixing the system could save more than 10,000 lives and $97 billion per year according to the FCC. Major companies like Apple, Google, Motorola and startups like RapidSOS have tried to fill the technology gap, but so far, that’s not enough. Watch the video to understand the conundrum of a large and fragmented national system that is run and funded locally, and how the federal government may be its only hope for a complete overhaul… READ MORE
by ECC Editor | Feb 19, 2021 | Comm Center News
MACo Legislative Director Kevin Kinnally yesterday testified in support of SB 658 Maryland Department of Emergency Management – Establishment and Transfer of Maryland 9-1-1 Board before the Senate Education, Health, and Environmental Affairs Committee.
This bill elevates the Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) to the Governor’s cabinet and transfers the Maryland 9-1-1 Board to MEMA… READ MORE
by AllThingsECC.com | Feb 19, 2021 | Comm Center News
The last several days of winter weather have left 911 call centers and city services inundated with calls.
The Dallas Police Dept. said they’ve received almost double the amount of calls compared to the same time last year. On Feb. 17, 2020, the department received 4,542 compared to today’s 9,022 calls. “Many of the DPD 911 call takers have been working 16-hour shifts to provide 911 services to our community. Despite their hard work, this weather event has led to delays in the handling of 911 calls. It is important to note that the weather event has led to a significant number of calls to 911 from callers reporting their electricity was out, their water lines burst, and other non-police related issues…
