Join us at 7pm Monday October 14 on the 146.88 W5FC repeater (PL 110.9) as we discuss important resources available from the Department of Homeland Security SAFECOM website.

SAFECOM is managed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). Through these partnerships, SAFECOM has created key documents such as the Interoperability Continuum, the Statement of Requirements (SoR) for baseline communications and interoperability standards, the Statewide Communication Interoperability Plan (SCIP) Methodology, and the National Emergency Communications Plan (NECP) to assist emergency responders nationwide with improving communications and interoperability.

Of particular interest to amateur radio operators who support their communities through ARES and RACES are several publications, including the new National Interoperability Field Guide (NIFOG) which is now available as a smartphone app. We’ll discuss the NIFOG and point out some interesting reading that may give you pause to think before you start loading up your radios with channels and frequencies.

We’ll also talk about the National Emergency Communications Plan (NECP) and have a roundtable to discuss how Amateur Radio can be more relevant in today’s multiple-channel digital interoperable public safety environment.