Nick
08-09-06, 04:34 AM
So far this year, the country has been fortunate with regard to tropical storms, but that isn't
stopping FEMA -- the Federal Emergency Management Agency -- from stocking up on satellite
technology. FEMA is buying more satellite equipment in order to improve their communications
abilities, improve supply shipments and increase situational awareness during the major disasters.
FEMA Director David Paulison said the agency is focusing on satellite communications because
the technology is going to help save lives in times of emergency weather
conditions.
Paulison - who took over the agency during harsh criticism - admitted that the government
seriously screwed things up during Hurricane Katrina. Now, the new director is confirming
what many in the industry and out in the field already knew: satellite communications makes
life easier for first repsonders.
Paulison said one of the first tasks the agency is trying to tackle is the improvement of
communications between federal departments, state agencies and local governments
to assist battered populations. FEMA is now saying that one of the pieces it missed
during the Katrina debacle was not providing enough satellite equipment.
Preventing the loss of goods in transit is another area FEMA dropped the ball- forcing
the agency to purchase a $20 million satellite-based system for its 800-plus supply
trailers. The director also said FEMA bought a satellite-based video streaming system
to improve its "situational awareness" instead of relying on local newscasts.
What a concept.
www.SkyReport.com - used with permission
stopping FEMA -- the Federal Emergency Management Agency -- from stocking up on satellite
technology. FEMA is buying more satellite equipment in order to improve their communications
abilities, improve supply shipments and increase situational awareness during the major disasters.
FEMA Director David Paulison said the agency is focusing on satellite communications because
the technology is going to help save lives in times of emergency weather
conditions.
Paulison - who took over the agency during harsh criticism - admitted that the government
seriously screwed things up during Hurricane Katrina. Now, the new director is confirming
what many in the industry and out in the field already knew: satellite communications makes
life easier for first repsonders.
Paulison said one of the first tasks the agency is trying to tackle is the improvement of
communications between federal departments, state agencies and local governments
to assist battered populations. FEMA is now saying that one of the pieces it missed
during the Katrina debacle was not providing enough satellite equipment.
Preventing the loss of goods in transit is another area FEMA dropped the ball- forcing
the agency to purchase a $20 million satellite-based system for its 800-plus supply
trailers. The director also said FEMA bought a satellite-based video streaming system
to improve its "situational awareness" instead of relying on local newscasts.
What a concept.
www.SkyReport.com - used with permission