Core Goal #11: Backup Power and Communications
Every region in Maryland should have an inventory of pre-identified critical facilities, including privately owned facilities such as gas stations, and an up to date assessment of their backup power capabilities. The most critical facilities should receive permanent backup generators or be prewired for power from mobile units and a stockpile of publicly owned or inventory of privately-owned generators should be maintained. Every region should have a backup 911 system, whether it is an alternate facility or the means to roll calls over to a neighboring jurisdiction.
Why are Backup Power and Communications important?
Maintaining power generation and the ability to communicate are critical during virtually every emergency situation. Hardening the power and communications infrastructure in public facilities such as Emergency Operations Centers and 911 Call Centers and at infrastructure owned and operated by the private sector is critical to maintaining continuity of operations. Power and communications are among the most essential functions for evacuation and sheltering operations.
Strategic Plan for Backup Power and Communications:
11A – Every region in Maryland should have an inventory f pre-identified critical facilities, including privately owned facilities such as gas stations, an up to date assessment of their backup power capabilities and Maryland’s most critical infrastructure should receive permanent backup generators or be prewired for power from mobile units.
• Identify and prioritize critical publicly and privately controlled facilities including identifying facilities already pre-wired for remote power and those needing pre-wiring.
• Inventory all publicly owned backup power resources which could be distributed during an emergency event and pre-plan for distribution.
• Stockpile mobile generators across the state according to state, local, and private needs for quick deployment during events.
11B – Every county should have, or have a regional agreement for, a backup 911 system. That system could be an alternate facility or an agreement with a neighboring jurisdiction.
• Facilitate short and long term 911 service continuity with backup procedures, equipment and facilities.
• Develop backup 911 facilities adequate for both short and long term outages and mutual aid needs.
11C – All Maryland agencies and local jurisdictions should have Continuity of Operations Plans (COOP).
• Ensure that all state agencies with first responder responsibilities have COOP plans in place with regular training and exercising
• Facilitate the development of operational COOP plans for local jurisdictions
• Provide a schedule of regular updates for COOP plans, at a minimum every 3 years.