The Palm Springs Fire Department is establishing a wireless wide area network (5.8 GHz) between five fire stations and a training facility for the purpose of: 1) transmitting records relating to emergency calls for service for compliance with the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS), 2) distribution of video training materials through an on-demand video server, 3) basic Internet and email services, 4) access to satellite ANTN training information for Airport Rescue Fire Fighting training (ARFF), and 5) two-way video teleconferencing for public safety personnel and the public.
The United States Fire Administration collects emergency incident information through the NFIRS data system, which is mandatory for all fire agencies seeking to participate in Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program. The on-demand video server will permit firefighters to remain in their respective service districts for rapid response to emergencies, while obtaining up-to-date training information. The firefighters will have high-speed Internet and email access. The ANTN (Airport News & Training Network) satellite feed will be distributed to all fire department sites to maintain emergency readiness as prescribed by FAA Part 139. The two-way televideo conferencing will be utilized by public safety personnel and to provide training to the general public related to the following: Community and Family Preparedness (CFP)- works through a broad coalition of outreach partnerships to ensure that all Americans have the necessary information, education and skills to protect themselves, their families, homes and businesses from disasters (FEMA); Community Emergency Response Teams or CERT (FEMA); the Citizens Corps through the U.S. Office of Homeland Security; and Project Impact (FEMA).
The network will permit data sharing that facilitates seamless and secure exchange of information across organizational boundaries. The Fire Department will be evaluating the opportunity for mobile wireless communications to access the information systems that will be operating at each of the fixed sites. The digital network will permit the City to address important disaster preparedness issues, involving the general public, faith-based organizations, health service agencies, the American Red Cross, and supporting the various missions of a number of Federal agencies.
