- Location
- Granby, CT
As more agencies rely on cellular based MDTs and even LTE only communications, there are some lessons to be learned from Hurricane Helene destruction this past week. Granted there was some extreme rainfall but windspeeds in much of the below mentioned area was below 100MPH.
From this mornings (10/1/24) FEMA Ops briefing:
Communications:
▪ GA: 21 counties with 50% or more of cell sites down
o All 911 calls are being answered; several 911 centers rerouted
▪ NC: 17 (-1) counties with 50% or more of cell sites down
o 16 (-3) PSAPs degraded, however 911 calls are being answered
o Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians: Communications remain heavily disrupted, and partial cellular and internet services
▪ SC: 2 counties with 50% or more of cell sites down
▪ TN: 1 (-1) county with 50% or more of cell sites down
How many of the EMS agencies that rely on cellular based PCRs have access to paper forms for documentation during such an event? Or maintain back up communications for their LTE/PTT over cell apps? How many FDs maintain backups that are accessible to every company for hydrant and building info that is normally in their tablets? How many 911 centers are ready for loss of non radio communications with their agencies?
And for those that are ready, how often do you practice those backups?
From this mornings (10/1/24) FEMA Ops briefing:
Communications:
▪ GA: 21 counties with 50% or more of cell sites down
o All 911 calls are being answered; several 911 centers rerouted
▪ NC: 17 (-1) counties with 50% or more of cell sites down
o 16 (-3) PSAPs degraded, however 911 calls are being answered
o Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians: Communications remain heavily disrupted, and partial cellular and internet services
▪ SC: 2 counties with 50% or more of cell sites down
▪ TN: 1 (-1) county with 50% or more of cell sites down
How many of the EMS agencies that rely on cellular based PCRs have access to paper forms for documentation during such an event? Or maintain back up communications for their LTE/PTT over cell apps? How many FDs maintain backups that are accessible to every company for hydrant and building info that is normally in their tablets? How many 911 centers are ready for loss of non radio communications with their agencies?
And for those that are ready, how often do you practice those backups?