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Planning should also consider the need for an integrated communications
system for all key state agencies and local emergency response organizations. The
interoperability of such a system would facilitate the integrated response to a ter-
rorist incident. Planning also needs to consider the importance of reliable backup
communications systems for emergency responders. Terrorist incidents may include
the loss of radio transmission capabilities, and telephone land lines and cellular
phone connections will be overwhelmed. Satellite telephones, which can operate
when cellular and nondedicated land lines are overloaded, are another option for
backup telephone systems.
State and local planners should consider the distribution of priority emergency
access telephone cards to their emergency workers. Planners should determine the
existing status of their emergency communications systems and identify the fund-
ing needed to upgrade them.
Warning
Every incident is different. There may or may not be warning of a potential WMD
incident. Factors involved range from intelligence gathered from various law enforce-
ment or intelligence agency sources to an actual notification from the terrorist organi-
zation or individual. The EOP should have HazMat facilities and transportation
routes already mapped, along with emergency procedures necessary to respond.
The warning or notification of a potential WMD terrorist incident could come
from many sources; therefore, open but secure communication among local, state,
and federal law enforcement agencies and emergency response officials is essential.
The local FBI Field Office must be notified of any suspected terrorist threats or
incidents.
Similarly, the FBI informs state and local law enforcement officials regarding
potential threats. An integrated communications system would be an aid in main-
taining these communications channels and would expedite the dissemination of
warnings about suspected terrorist threats. The interoperability of such a system
would eliminate the need to switch back and forth between different communica-
tions systems for different organizations.
Pre-Event Readiness
The FBI operates with a four-tier threat level system that can be used as a basis for
initiating precautionary actions when a WMD terrorist event is anticipated.
Level 4 (Minimal Threat): Received threats do not warrant actions beyond
normal liaison notifications or placing assets or resources on a heightened
alert.
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