According to reports from the Department of Homeland Security, major cities around the United States are being faulted for their lack of disaster preparedness. A lack of effective communication between first responders was a serious issue addressed in these reports. As reported by the associated press through 1010Wins.com, "The study, conducted by the Department of Homeland Security, comes five years after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, and revealed major problems in how well emergency agencies were able to talk to each other during a catastrophe."

Effective communication and interoperability during a disaster or incident is crucial to saving lives. As reported by a Seattle newspaper, "Many firefighters climbing the World Trade Center Towers died when they were unable to hear police radio warnings to leave the crumbling buildings."

In light of these reports, more efficient and versatile communication options are being sought. One of the technologies proving to be most effective is satellite communcation. As described in by the SIA, "For those times when the terrestrial communications infrastructure is damaged, destroyed or overloaded, satellite communications can provide a communications lifeline for people on the front lines of public safety and emergency preparedness."

The IC4U/AC3S realizes the enormous potential of satellite communication in disaster situations, ensuring maximum situational awareness to all first responders involved.

Additional resources:

Guide from the US Department of Justice on the Importance of Interoperability

Public Safety Statement of Requirements for Communications & Interoperability

First Responder’s Guide to Satellite Communications

Fire Service Interoperability Handbook

Interoperability: Stop Blaming the Radio