DHS releases emergency communication plan

WASHINGTON, Aug. 1 (UPI) -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has released a new strategic plan designed to provide a comprehensive set of guidelines for emergency communication.

The department released the National Emergency Communications Plan, which marks the first detailed plan for emergency response communications in the United States.

The NECP, written in part out of the communication difficulties experienced during the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, is an effort to create a clear framework for emergency response officials and other security authorities to effectively communicate during a crisis situation.

"This is a comprehensive plan designed to drive measurable and sustainable improvements to operable and interoperable emergency communications nationwide over the next three years," Robert Jamison, DHS undersecretary, said in a statement.

"It emphasizes the human element and cross-jurisdictional cooperation, going beyond simply buying new equipment."

Officials say the NECP has aligned all 50 states and U.S. territories under a single emergency communications strategy.