Communication during and immediately after a disaster situation is a vital component of response and recovery. When natural disasters strike, crisis zones need communications to coordinate rescue activities. One of the most immediate concerns is establishing a reliable means of communication for disaster agencies, government organizations, and emergency services to co-ordinate the help needed to bring relief to impacted areas. Unfortunately, the terrestrial telecommunications infrastructure which would normally enable these communications is often completely wiped out, leaving people cut off from the rest of the world and without access to vital communication services. Even if the destruction is partial, the surviving networks quickly are inundated by the sudden surge of users. Therefore, disaster responders need an alternative solution for restoring connectivity.
As we all know, natural disasters have devastating effects on communities across our country. When a disaster strikes, federal, state, and local governments need a coordinated strategy, accessible data, and a skilled workforce to manage the response. In the case of hurricanes and major weather events, physical and technical roadblocks often prevent response teams from obtaining critical data to track damages, prioritize response needs, and keep the public informed so that people know how to stay safe. Ineffective communication channels, overburdened response systems, satellite disruptions, and internet blackouts further impede people from getting the help they need.
In times of Natural Disaster, SYNNEX GOVSolv has partnered with our vendors knowing that effective communication connects first responders, support systems, and family members with the communities and individuals immersed in the disaster. Whether it is teaming with our carriers or providing portable assets, SYNNEX can meet the needs for effective communication in emergency response. In the realm of our carriers, their Emergency Response Teams typically pre-stage numerous assets including generators, trucks, mobile network assets, drones on the ready, communication vehicles such as Micro SAT COLTs (Satellite Cell on Light Truck), and other satellite/microwave equipment. Knowing, through our Subject Matter Experts, that effective emergency connectivity must address heavy as well as densely populated areas, we also offer through our versatile product line portable solutions that can be deployed to solve the problem.
Please reach out to our team today toll free at (877)230-5680 or via email at RESCUE911@synnex.com for these dependable and reliable solutions paired with an extensive purchasing contract line for procurement.
Natural Disaster Funding
Right now, all efforts are focused on rescue/recovery operations and immediate needs after the storm.
Here is a general overview of the funding…
- President has declared a federal disaster for Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama
- Federal aid and funding from FEMA is made available
- First will be immediate responses (https://www.fema.gov/press-release/20210829/federal-agencies-mobilize-support-response-hurricane-ida) such as US Army Corps of Engineers for power restoration, clean-up efforts, safety of communities, healthcare response, etc.
- The second phase of funding assistance will be grants in the affected areas. FEMA makes available Public Assistance grants to state, tribal and local governments, and certain private nonprofit organizations, including houses of worship, so communities can quickly respond to and recover from major disasters or emergencies.
- These grants can often be a year or two out and cover reimbursements of emergency response items. For example, FEMA just awarded $162 million in grants in April 2021 to recipients for Hurricane Michael that hit in 2018 (https://www.fema.gov/press-release/20210416/fema-approves-162-million-hurricane-michael-recovery).
Here is a breakdown of who is spending money:
- FEMA – covering costs of the federal government’s immediate response to disaster relief. This flows to mobilize different agencies such as Army Corps of Engineers, Dept. of Health and Human Services, Department of Energy, etc.
- States have a disaster fund to pull from in the state budget, so most likely the Governor has declared a state of emergency to release these funds.
- Localities/School Districts will be spending money as well to respond. Anything from setting up local shelters, needed healthcare facilities, helping residents clean up, etc. These are likely expenses that will be covered by FEMA grants as reimbursement down the road once they get to that point.