GAO Says More Work Needed on Disaster Communications
Regional working groups have meant better emergency communications amid disasters, but more needs to be done to increase cooperation, GAO reported Tuesday. While the Federal Emergency Management Agency “has encouraged collaboration among regional working-group leaders, cross-regional efforts have been limited,”…
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GAO said. “Developing and implementing an appropriate ongoing mechanism for collaboration could enhance emergency communications capabilities, such as by helping group members address common challenges. Without ways for all members of these groups to collaborate across regions, members may be missing opportunities to share information and leverage the knowledge and experiences of their counterparts throughout the nation.” GAO recommended FEMA and members of the Regional Emergency Communications Coordination Working Group work together on an “ongoing mechanism to encourage nationwide collaboration.” The Department of Homeland Security said in an attached letter it supports that recommendation.