Date: 08/13/2012
Final
Emergency Management and Communication
WILDFIRE COMMISSION
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10:35 AM -- Emergency Management and Communication
Mr. Daryl Branson, Colorado 9-1-1 Resource Center, provided an overview of 9-1-1 in Colorado. Committee members received a copy of his presentation (Attachment C). Mr. Branson explained that 9-1-1 service is administered locally in Colorado. He described the decisions regarding funds generated by 9-1-1 surcharges. He explained the use of emergency notification systems (ENS), noting that they are an option for which local governments may spend their surcharge funds. Mr. Branson discussed the challenges that an ENS may face. He explained that these systems vary widely, and that only traditional land lines are automatically included in an ENS. He discussed the limitations of "opting in" for mobile phones or voice-over-Internet protocols, including that these notifications would be based only on address, not the consumer's location. He added that there are limitations to the coordination between jurisdictions, as well. He noted that the existence of third-party apps and websites could lead to further consumer confusion.
10:48 AM
Mr. Jack Cobb, Communications Manager for the Office of Emergency Management, presented information to the committee about interoperable communications, which is the ability of first responders to talk across disciplines and jurisdictions. Committee members received a copy of his presentation (Attachment D). Mr. Cobb explained that Colorado operates under a "system of systems," because varied systems are used throughout the state. He discussed the specifics of these systems in Colorado.
10:56 AM
Representative Levy and Mr. Branson discussed the opportunities for public input on local ENS decisions. Mr. Branson noted that most jurisdictions have a 9-1-1 authority board, in addition to their city councils and county commissions. Discussion continued regarding public education on mobile phone opt-ins. Representative Gerou and Mr. Branson discussed the mobile phone registration process in Jefferson County, and the decisions regarding location-specific notification. Mr. Branson explained that different systems have different capabilities for refining their location data, noting that some systems can target specific neighborhoods using GIS.