Stations Prepped for Storms with DHS Letters

posted on 8.24.2020

- Fuel, Access, Debris Letters + Masks

With the Gulf Coast experiencing a double-whammy of tropical weather systems, TAB this week distributed Department of Homeland Security access, fuel, and debris removal letters to broadcasters in the 44 counties included in the FCC’s DIRS activations for storms Marco and Laura. Stations also received links to multi-lingual PSAs containing emergency information tips produced by the Commission.

The letters from DHS’ Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency are key to stations’ emergency planning and operations. Broadcasters can request another copy here.

Stations that suffer damage or interruptions to service may notify the FCC Operations Center by email when they become impacted by the storms either before or after landfall. FCC personnel encourage broadcasters to be specific in what they need to restore operations.

DIRS Reporting
The FCC on Aug. 24 activated the Disaster Information Reporting System (DIRS) to receive information on the status of stations’ communications equipment in the area affected by the storms. Daily reports are requested by 10AM for the duration of the activation.

The announcement noted that the separate Network Outage Reporting System (NORS) obligations are suspended for the duration of the DIRS activation with respect to outages in the counties where DIRS has been activated.

FCC Emergency Communications Tips
The FCC has developed Radio PSAs containing important tips for people in the path of severe weather events and other emergencies. The messages are in English, Spanish, Chinese, French, Korean, Tagalog, and Vietnamese.

Protective Face Masks
Radio and TV stations throughout the state this week also began receiving a second distribution of masks for their teams to use as the COVID-19 pandemic rages on. The masks again were provided by FEMA and this distribution will likely be the final one.

Boxes are being shipped through the United States Postal Service and began arriving Monday. The last shipments are being made today.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Questions? Contact TAB’s Oscar Rodriguez or call (512) 322-9944.

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