9.14.2007
The FCC has created an automated disaster information reporting system.
The commission’s Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau launched the redesigned version of the voluntary, Web-based system this week. All communications companies, including broadcasting, wireline, wireless and cable can use the system to report communications infrastructure status and other critical information during a crisis.
The commission said the system would help streamline reporting and enable communications providers to share network status information with the FCC quickly and efficiently. When this disaster data collection system is activated in response to a crisis, contacts in the system will be sent an e-mail letting them know the disaster area and the communications providers that are requested to provide data on the status of their communications equipment.
Establishment of the database addresses recommendations submitted by an independent panel reviewing the impact of Hurricane Katrina on communications, according to the agency.