With increasing numbers of emergency management agencies and other public safety agencies and partners using FirstNet, the First Responder Network Authority’s (FirstNet Authority) Emergency Management Community of Practice is pleased to share a resource guide for emergency managers. Together our staff has more than 130 years of experience in the emergency management field, and we are pleased to provide an overview of features and functions that emergency managers may use in their daily and emergency response roles. Many of the topics covered in the guide are applicable for coordinating response in the field or when an Emergency Operations Center (EOC) has been activated.
A guide designed for emergency managers
The guide highlights important topics related to emergency management, including:
- FirstNet network deployables
- FirstNet apps and devices
- FirstNet Central capabilities, including the Uplift Request Tool and Network Status View
- Integrating FirstNet into communications plans such as Emergency Response Plans, Statewide Communication Interoperability Plans, and Field Operations Guides
The guide also highlights important stakeholder engagement opportunities from the FirstNet Authority related to event pre-planning, training and exercises, and post-incident reviews.
Emergency managers can look to the guide for use cases and feedback from emergency managers across the country, as well as tips on how to effectively leverage FirstNet and broadband technologies in their daily and emergency response operations. The guide also includes reference links and fillable forms to help readers obtain additional information about specific topics, such as requesting a FirstNet deployable or building their Incident Command System (ICS) forms during a response.
Using the guide
The guide can be accessed directly at firstnet.gov/EMGuide. It is also available at firstnet.gov/EM under the Emergency Management Resources section. Emergency managers are encouraged to download and store the reference guide electronically or online. It can also be printed for quick reference in an EOC or Mobile Command Post.
If you are interested in learning more about any of the topics in this guide or how the FirstNet Authority’s Public Safety Engagement team can support your emergency management agency, please contact me directly at bruce.fitzgerald@firstnet.gov.
