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Emergency Support Function # 2	Content of ESF
Communications	COMMUNICATIONS (ESF 2) PRIMARY AGENCY: Metropolitan Emergency Communications Agency (MECA) SUPPORT AGENCIES: Emergency Management Division (EMD) Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Services (R.A.C.E.S.) Amateur Radio Emergency Services (A.R.E.S.) Indianapolis Fire Department (IFD) Indianapolis/Marion County Communications (IMC) Indianapolis Police Department (IPD) Marion County Sheriffs Department (MCSD) Chief Information Officer SBC Cellular Carriers of Marion County I. INTRODUCTION A. Purpose 1. The purpose of the Communications ESF is to outline the emergency communications systems and capabilities of emergency service agencies within the County; describe methods of communicating with higher authority and neighboring jurisdictions, and the public; and, describe system components and task assignments to assure effective communications during emergencies affecting Marion County. 2. This ESF provides for a notification system capable of disseminating adequate and timely alerts to the public and government officials in the event of an impending disaster situation. B. Scope Experience shows that communications coordination during major emergencies is always a major problem. The nature of the emergency can create serious damage to normal communications systems through the loss of antennas, repeaters, and facilities. Protection and restoration of emergency communications will be one of the highest priorities in response and recovery activities. It is critical that consideration be given not only to local communications, but also to maintenance of capability to communicate with neighboring jurisdictions, support agencies, higher authority and the public. This communications ESF involves meeting communication needs critical to effective emergency response, including public warning and providing emergency information. II. POLICIES The Metropolitan Emergency Communications Agency (MECA) provides a radio network to all public safety agencies in Marion County that has a full complement of portable handheld radios, radios that are installed in public safety vehicles, mobile data terminals, and its own pager service. MECA also has two mobile command vehicles, which can deploy to incident command posts or stage at special events to ensure a comprehensive level of communication can be achieved in the most remote or devastated locations. The MECA Communication system is used routinely everyday by all public safety agencies, however, during periods of emergency and disaster it will be necessary that the communication system be capable of rapidly receiving and transmitting emergency information necessary for the direction, control and coordination of governmental agencies. MECA, will coordinate communication support necessary to conduct disaster response and relief operations. (The Federal and State communication systems will be utilized if the local capabilities are exhausted and a requirement arises for outside assistance). In addition to emergency communications for public safety officials, the Marion County Emergency Management Division is required to maintain an outdoor warning system or “Tornado Siren System” that is capable of warning the general public of tornadic activity. Currently, this system has 144 sirens that can be activated from three different activation points. Approximately 93% of the County is within the siren coverage area. The Marion County Emergency Management Division along with the National Weather Service has the authority and capability of activating the Emergency Alert System (EAS). The EAS is utilized to warn the general public when there is an immediate or impending threat and to suggest protective measures for citizens to take. The EAS uses commercial radio and TV broadcast services, which are provided on a voluntary basis. III. CONCEPT OF OPERATIONS • General The EMD Countywide Emergency Operations Center (EOC) has overall responsibility for providing direction and control and coordinating communication services during disaster situations. It is therefore of the utmost importance to have the EOC in communication with the numerous responding city agencies and outside sources of relief and assistance. Communication service for the EOC will be coordinated by EMD and MECA with assistance from IMC and IFD Communications. Primary focus of all communication efforts will be located in the Countywide Emergency Operations Center. Mobile Command and Communication vehicles are also available for deployment. Auxiliary communications networks will also be utilized as needed through the Department of Public Works (DPW), Public Utilities, and the MECA Communications Vans (MCP). B. Emergency Operations Center During an emergency or disaster, the EMD will activate the Emergency Operations Center to monitor and coordinate response and recovery operations. The EOC has more flexibility and communications interoperability assets than any other location in Marion County. Communications Resources in the EOC include: 1. MECA 800 MHz Trunked Radio System with Computer Aided Dispatch consoles for both Law Enforcement and Fire Communications 2. Statewide 800 MHz Radio System Mutual Aid Frequencies 3. 28 Telephones with local and toll free numbers 4. 1 incoming FAX machine and 1 outgoing FAX machine 5. 155 MHz Radio System linked to the State Emergency Management Agency 6. 29 computers with internet and email capability 7. A Virtual EOC software system capable of allowing key persons to monitor and participate in EOC operations from anywhere with an internet connection 8. An Amateur Band Radio 9. A television camera downlink from the IPD Helicopter to allow EOC personnel to view an incident scene or damaged area from the air in real time 10. Z Client Data terminals for communicating with public safety units mobile data terminals and for paging. C. County-Wide Disaster During a disaster such as tornado, the Countywide Emergency Operations Center will be fully activated. The primary EOC will then access various agency communication networks, as persons reporting to the EOC are directed to bring the means of contacting, and maintaining contact, with their respective organizations. The primary communication systems for command and control during EOC operations are the telephone and the MECA 800 MHz Radio System. The MECA 800 MHz radio system provides for voice communications among all radios registered on its system. These radios are accessed from the activated EOC by hand-held portable radios and desktop radios, operated by EOC personnel representing their agencies. Communications with Police and Fire/Rescue emergency vehicles is conducted via the respective communications centers for those agencies. D. Mobile Command Post (MCP) The MCP is used for on-site command and coordination of departmental assets during localized incidents, and to establish forward command and control activities during major disaster response operations. Each unit will be manned primarily by MECA, and will be supplemented by a combination of communication, command and control personnel from the county fire departments, county law enforcement agencies, Emergency Medical Service agencies, general government agencies, EMD, and other personnel provided by mutual aid responders. The MCPs will be the primary means of coordinating activities of various agencies at a site or in a specific area of responsibility. All MCPs will be linked to the EOC by radio and mobile data, and each MCP will be equipped to communicate on all government frequencies. In addition, the MCPs will be equipped with ground-to air communications. IV. RESPONSIBILITIES A. Emergency Management Division 1. Prior to occurrence of a disaster, coordinate plans to assure that an adequate and effective communications network will be available during periods of disaster or emergency using telephones and radio capabilities. 2. Identify voluntary communication resources, such as Amateur Radio, C.B., etc., that can be utilized as necessary during times of emergency and disaster. These sources would be called upon to provide back-up communications for the county. 3. Develop SOPs relevant to actions to be taken during periods of emergency and disaster, through cooperative effort of the County PSAP Managers, the County Fire Departments, Emergency Medical, and the Law Enforcement officials. 4. Coordinate and conduct periodic drills to test all communication systems and equipment in the EOC and to evaluate readiness of employees. 5. Testing of elements of the EOC communication network will be done in conjunction with all scheduled emergency exercises, including the full functional exercise conducted in conjunction with the annual state tornado exercise. 6. The Director of EMD will designate those volunteer agencies that will be called upon to participate during emergency situations. 7. EMD will obtain mutual aid agreements from designated volunteer communications agencies. 8. Develop SOPs that designate procedures for activating volunteer communication response, and designate those volunteer agencies that will be called upon to participate during emergency operations. 9. Execute mutual aid agreements between City and auxiliary communications participants. 10. When required, request communications assistance from State and Federal agencies. 11. Communications To The Public: The Emergency Management Division will coordinate a system of communications to the public for emergency and safety messages. This system will minimally include: • Countywide siren warning system for severe weather. • Specific emergency and safety information provided to operators in the MAC. • An outbound only Email list serve upon which users may self subscribe to receive emergency and safety messages. The Division will work toward providing an automatic reverse call system for emergency and safety messages. B. Indianapolis Metropolitan Communications / Fire Communications Provide manning to the EOC and PSAPs during periods of emergency and disaster. C. MECA 1. MECA shall provide rotating staff of communication technicians and other technical personnel that will be able to maintain the communications equipment located at the EOC. 2. Work with MCSD to ensure adequate security systems to assure no disruption in communications during emergency periods. 3. Develop adequate resources to install additional telephone lines and acquire resources to expand radio capabilities as required during emergencies. 4. Maintain adequate communications facilities during any emergency situation, both within and outside the EOC, and develop priorities of sites and equipment for repair and restoration following a disaster. 5. Develop and design additional temporary communications facilities, adequately equipped to respond to communication needs. 6. As necessary and as projected, coordinate installation of jacks and other auxiliary equipment to permit the speedy and efficient installation of telecommunications telephones. 7. Coordinate, design and plan for all communications activity required during disaster periods, and assist State and federal authorities in establishing their communication networks during the response to a major disaster. 8. Due to the increase in use of communications (radio) transmissions during emergencies, the need will be present to augment already existing radio and telephone networks. 9. Maintain inventory of all communications systems and equipment that might be available for use in time of emergency. D. Police and Fire/Rescue Communication Officers Police and Fire communications will work closely with the communications officer to assure timely and efficient installation of required equipment. E. Chief Information Officer Provide telecommunications support as necessary to support disaster operations. F. SBC Telephone Company Liaison Representative Provide liaison between Emergency Operations Center and the telephone company, and coordinates which telephone communications should be restored, and in which priority, should large outages occur. Additionally, SBC will Assess and repair damage to telecommunications identified as essential for energy system restoration and critical to public safety. G. Cellular Telephone Company Liaison Representative Provide liaison between Emergency Operations Center and the telephone company, and coordinates which telephone communications should be restored, and in which priority, should large outages occur.

Emergency Support Function # 2

Content of ESF

Communications

COMMUNICATIONS (ESF 2)

PRIMARY AGENCY: Metropolitan Emergency Communications Agency (MECA)

SUPPORT AGENCIES: Emergency Management Division (EMD)

Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Services (R.A.C.E.S.)

Amateur Radio Emergency Services (A.R.E.S.)

Indianapolis Fire Department (IFD)

Indianapolis/Marion County Communications (IMC)

Indianapolis Police Department (IPD)

Marion County Sheriffs Department (MCSD)

Chief Information Officer

SBC

Cellular Carriers of Marion County

I. INTRODUCTION

A. Purpose

1. The purpose of the Communications ESF is to outline the emergency communications systems and capabilities of emergency service agencies within the County; describe methods of communicating with higher authority and neighboring jurisdictions, and the public; and, describe system components and task assignments to assure effective communications during emergencies affecting Marion County.

2. This ESF provides for a notification system capable of disseminating adequate and timely alerts to the public and government officials in the event of an impending disaster situation.

B. Scope

Experience shows that communications coordination during major emergencies is always a major problem. The nature of the emergency can create serious damage to normal communications systems through the loss of antennas, repeaters, and facilities. Protection and restoration of emergency communications will be one of the highest priorities in response and recovery activities. It is critical that consideration be given not only to local communications, but also to maintenance of capability to communicate with neighboring jurisdictions, support agencies, higher authority and the public. This communications ESF involves meeting communication needs critical to effective emergency response, including public warning and providing emergency information.

II. POLICIES

The Metropolitan Emergency Communications Agency (MECA) provides a radio network to all public safety agencies in Marion County that has a full complement of portable handheld radios, radios that are installed in public safety vehicles, mobile data terminals, and its own pager service. MECA also has two mobile command vehicles, which can deploy to incident command posts or stage at special events to ensure a comprehensive level of communication

can be achieved in the most remote or devastated locations.

The MECA Communication system is used routinely everyday by all public safety agencies, however, during periods of emergency and disaster it will be necessary that the communication system be capable of rapidly receiving and transmitting emergency information necessary for the direction, control and coordination of governmental agencies. MECA, will coordinate communication support necessary to conduct disaster response and relief operations.

(The Federal and State communication systems will be utilized if the local capabilities are exhausted and a requirement arises for outside assistance).

In addition to emergency communications for public safety officials, the Marion County Emergency Management Division is required to maintain an outdoor warning system or “Tornado Siren System” that is capable of warning the general public of tornadic activity. Currently, this system has 144 sirens that can be activated from three different activation points. Approximately 93% of the County is within the siren coverage area.

The Marion County Emergency Management Division along with the National Weather Service has the authority and capability of activating the Emergency Alert System (EAS). The EAS is utilized to warn the general public when there is an immediate or impending threat and to suggest protective measures for citizens to take. The EAS uses commercial radio and TV broadcast services, which are provided on a voluntary basis.

III. CONCEPT OF OPERATIONS

• General

The EMD Countywide Emergency Operations Center (EOC) has overall responsibility for providing direction and control and coordinating communication services during disaster situations. It is therefore of the utmost importance to have the EOC in communication with the numerous responding city agencies and outside sources of relief and assistance. Communication service for the EOC will be coordinated by EMD and MECA with assistance from IMC and IFD Communications. Primary focus of all communication efforts will be located in the Countywide Emergency Operations Center. Mobile Command and Communication vehicles are also available for deployment. Auxiliary communications networks will also be utilized as needed through the Department of Public Works (DPW), Public Utilities, and the MECA Communications Vans (MCP).

B. Emergency Operations Center

During an emergency or disaster, the EMD will activate the Emergency Operations Center to monitor and coordinate response and recovery operations. The EOC has more flexibility and communications interoperability assets than any other location in Marion County. Communications Resources in the EOC include:

1. MECA 800 MHz Trunked Radio System with Computer Aided Dispatch consoles for both Law Enforcement and Fire Communications

2. Statewide 800 MHz Radio System Mutual Aid Frequencies

3. 28 Telephones with local and toll free numbers

4. 1 incoming FAX machine and 1 outgoing FAX machine

5. 155 MHz Radio System linked to the State Emergency Management Agency

6. 29 computers with internet and email capability

7. A Virtual EOC software system capable of allowing key persons to monitor and participate in EOC operations from anywhere with an internet connection

8. An Amateur Band Radio

9. A television camera downlink from the IPD Helicopter to allow EOC personnel to view an incident scene or damaged area from the air in real time

10. Z Client Data terminals for communicating with public safety units mobile data terminals and for paging.

C. County-Wide Disaster

During a disaster such as tornado, the Countywide Emergency Operations Center will be fully activated. The primary EOC will then access various agency communication networks, as persons reporting to the EOC are directed to bring the means of contacting, and maintaining contact, with their respective organizations. The primary communication systems for command and control during EOC operations are the telephone and the MECA 800 MHz Radio System.

The MECA 800 MHz radio system provides for voice communications among all radios registered on its system. These radios are accessed from the activated EOC by hand-held portable radios and desktop radios, operated by EOC personnel representing their agencies.

Communications with Police and Fire/Rescue emergency vehicles is conducted via the respective communications centers for those agencies.

D. Mobile Command Post (MCP)

The MCP is used for on-site command and coordination of departmental assets during localized incidents, and to establish forward command and control activities during major disaster response operations. Each unit will be manned primarily by MECA, and will be supplemented by a combination of communication, command and control personnel from the county fire departments, county law enforcement agencies, Emergency Medical Service agencies, general government agencies, EMD, and other personnel provided by mutual aid responders.

The MCPs will be the primary means of coordinating activities of various agencies at a site or in a specific area of responsibility. All MCPs will be linked to the EOC by radio and mobile data, and each MCP will be equipped to communicate on all government frequencies. In addition, the MCPs will be equipped with ground-to air communications.

IV. RESPONSIBILITIES

A. Emergency Management Division

1. Prior to occurrence of a disaster, coordinate plans to assure that an adequate and effective communications network will be available during periods of disaster or emergency using telephones and radio capabilities.

2. Identify voluntary communication resources, such as Amateur Radio, C.B., etc., that can be utilized as necessary during times of emergency and disaster. These sources would be called upon to provide back-up communications for the county.

3. Develop SOPs relevant to actions to be taken during periods of emergency and disaster, through cooperative effort of the County PSAP Managers, the County Fire Departments, Emergency Medical, and the Law Enforcement officials.

4. Coordinate and conduct periodic drills to test all communication systems and equipment in the EOC and to evaluate readiness of employees.

5. Testing of elements of the EOC communication network will be done in conjunction with all scheduled emergency exercises, including the full functional exercise conducted in conjunction with the annual state tornado exercise.

6. The Director of EMD will designate those volunteer agencies that will be called upon to participate during emergency situations.

7. EMD will obtain mutual aid agreements from designated volunteer communications agencies.

8. Develop SOPs that designate procedures for activating volunteer communication response, and designate those volunteer agencies that will be called upon to participate during emergency operations.

9. Execute mutual aid agreements between City and auxiliary communications participants.

10. When required, request communications assistance from State and Federal agencies.

11. Communications To The Public: The Emergency Management Division will coordinate a system of communications to the public for emergency and safety messages. This system will minimally include:

• Countywide siren warning system for severe weather.

• Specific emergency and safety information provided to operators in the MAC.

• An outbound only Email list serve upon which users may self subscribe to receive emergency and safety messages.

The Division will work toward providing an automatic reverse call system for emergency and safety messages.

B. Indianapolis Metropolitan Communications / Fire Communications

Provide manning to the EOC and PSAPs during periods of emergency and disaster.

C. MECA

1. MECA shall provide rotating staff of communication technicians and other technical personnel that will be able to maintain the communications equipment located at the EOC.

2. Work with MCSD to ensure adequate security systems to assure no disruption in communications during emergency periods.

3. Develop adequate resources to install additional telephone lines and acquire resources to expand radio capabilities as required during emergencies.

4. Maintain adequate communications facilities during any emergency situation, both within and outside the EOC, and develop priorities of sites and equipment for repair and restoration following a disaster.

5. Develop and design additional temporary communications facilities, adequately equipped to respond to communication needs.

6. As necessary and as projected, coordinate installation of jacks and other auxiliary equipment to permit the speedy and efficient installation of telecommunications telephones.

7. Coordinate, design and plan for all communications activity required during disaster periods, and assist State and federal authorities in establishing their communication networks during the response to a major disaster.

8. Due to the increase in use of communications (radio) transmissions during emergencies, the need will be present to augment already existing radio and telephone networks.

9. Maintain inventory of all communications systems and equipment that might be available for use in time of emergency.

D. Police and Fire/Rescue Communication Officers

Police and Fire communications will work closely with the communications officer to assure timely and efficient installation of required equipment.

E. Chief Information Officer

Provide telecommunications support as necessary to support disaster operations.

F. SBC Telephone Company Liaison Representative

Provide liaison between Emergency Operations Center and the telephone company, and coordinates which telephone communications should be restored, and in which priority, should large outages occur. Additionally, SBC will Assess and repair damage to telecommunications identified as essential for energy system restoration and critical to public safety.

G. Cellular Telephone Company Liaison Representative

Provide liaison between Emergency Operations Center and the telephone company, and coordinates which telephone communications should be restored, and in which priority, should large outages occur.