A MESSAGE FROM IPSC TO OUR PUBLIC SAFETY PARTNERS

As COVID-19 response ramps up, demands on first responder communication systems and services will increase.  IPSC has put together a Public Safety Communications COVID-19 Checklist with guidance and recommendations to help navigate through the next few days and weeks.

Remember, it’s important to think past today and plan for the worst. The following tips and questions are designed to get you thinking about steps you should take so you’re prepared:

WHAT’S YOUR PLAN?

Do you have a communications plan?

• If Yes, review the plan to make sure it’s up-to-date.
• If No, now’s the time to make one. It doesn’t have to be fancy. Here’s where to start:
  • Make a list of everyone you will need to communicate with, the ways you can communicate, and the talkgroups. You can use ICS Form 217a to list these resources.
  • For additional considerations, take a look at IPSC’s County Communication Plan template.

CHECK YOUR EQUIPMENT

Not everyone uses the statewide 700/800 MHz “SAFE-T” system for day-to-day operations, but you should have access to at least a few radios for purpose of interoperability with key agencies. If you have cache radios, now’s the time to take them off the shelf, charge them up, turn them on and activate (click the PTT, and make sure you know how to get to the talkgroups you’ll need.

• Are all needed mutual aid talkgroups programmed into your radios? At a minimum, you should have the following: Statewide Mutual Aid, Regional Mutual Aid,  EMS/Hospital Statewide Mutual Aid Talkgroups, 7TACs and 8TACS, Event Talk Groups.
• Is the firmware on your radios up-to-date, and are they aligned? Contact your vendor if you’re not sure.
• Make sure all radios are charged and ready to deploy.
• Perform test calls to ensure you know how to switch channels and that someone on the other end can hear you.

KNOW YOUR OPTIONS

You’ve probably heard IPSC talk about FirstNet – the nationwide public safety broadband network – in the past few years.  This kind of event is precisely why Congress created the network – so that first responders have their own separate wireless network during times of great demand.  FirstNet is up and running in Indiana, and the build out schedule means that most of the state is covered.

Using Enhanced Push-to-Talk Cellular (EPTT) applications on cellular devices, while not mission-critical, can be an extremely useful way for responders to communicate, offering virtually instant group communications.  Most Indiana public safety agencies use Verizon, AT&T or FirstNet/AT&T, and all three provide EPTT service.

• Consider using EPTT over LTE for COVID-19 response communications, and become familiar with the web-based applications used to manage talkgroups.
• If migrating to FirstNet, make sure you know how to access/use the Local Control Portal and how to use the Uplift Tool.
• Do you and your fellow responders have GETS/WPS? The Government Emergency Telecommunications Service (GETS) and the Wireless Priority Service (WPS) programs are companion services for priority calling offered by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security (CISA). The services are intended to be used in an emergency or crisis situation when networks are congested and the probability of completing a normal call is reduced. There is no charge for GETS/WPS. For more information on GETS, WPS or TSP, contact the DHS Priority Telecommunications Service Center toll free at 866-627-2255, 703-676-2255, or via email at support@priority-info.com.

REQUEST RESOURCES THROUGH ESF2

Because this pandemic has been declared a National Emergency, it’s imperative to work the NIMS ICS process, not only to ensure efficient response but also to document resources/expenditures used during the effort.  The need for communication devices/services will only escalate, and demand will certainly exceed supply.  The Indiana Emergency Operations Center (EOC) has been activated in response to COVID-19. IPSC is the lead agency for Emergency Support Function 2 (ESF2) – Communications.

Submit requests for communication equipment/services to esf2@dhs.in.gov.

ADDITIONAL LINKS AND RESOURCES

IPSC has deployable assets, including 800 MHz radios, two Mobile IntelliRepeater Sites (MIRS), a small cache of FirstNet phones, and a deployable CAD.  We are also in contact with our business partners for access to additional equipment. For more information, contact IPSC at 317.234.1540 or NOCIPSC@ipsc.in.gov. TO REQUEST RESOURCES, CONTACT ESF2@DHS.IN.GOV.

Updates and links to more information can be found at http://www.in.gov/ipsc/3032.htm.

STAY HEALTHY!