The FCC issued a Public Notice activating its Disaster Information Reporting Service (DIRS) as Hurricane Florence, a Category 4 storm, is set to make landfall in the Carolinas and Mid-Atlantic regions causing catastrophic flooding, high winds, and heavy rains. Broadcasters and other communications providers in those regions are encouraged to voluntarily supply certain filings with … Continue Reading
As we reported yesterday, the FCC was set to conduct a voluntary DIRS exercise Aug. 23 – Aug. 24. However, due to the possible activation of the DIRS for Hurricane Lane set to hit Hawaii this week, the FCC has postponed the DIRS exercise until Sept. 13. The FCC will send out additional information in … Continue Reading
On Aug. 15 many broadcast stations received an e-mail from the FCC regarding a Disaster Information Reporting System (DIRS) exercise scheduled for later this week: Aug. 23-24. The DIRS keeps track of the status of both broadcast and non-broadcast communications facilities during natural disasters, including whether a facility is operating, the availability of electric power, … Continue Reading
Just a week after Hurricane Harvey wreaked havoc in Texas and Louisiana, Hurricane Irma, a Category 5 storm, has already hit parts of the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. This is a major storm, with wind gusts measured at 155 mph in Barbuda. This weekend Irma is set to make its way into Florida … Continue Reading
Even if you are not living in the direct path, you are likely aware that many areas in Louisiana and Texas are preparing for Hurricane Harvey. As local citizens prepare for a Class 3 Hurricane expected to bring dangerous flooding, wind and rain, broadcasters and other communications providers in that region will also need make … Continue Reading
With Matthew, the first big hurricane to threaten Florida and the Carolinas in several years, barreling up the coast, the FCC has started its anticipatory disaster response. A public notice released this afternoon alerts the public that Commission personnel will be available, 24/7, to assist communications providers as they deal with the effects of the storm. … Continue Reading
With a nasty nor'easter threatening to dump its load all the way from the Great Lakes to New York and New England, the FCC has started its anticipatory disaster response.… Continue Reading
The FCC has activated its Disaster Information Reporting System in the face of Hurricane Sandy. Communications providers should start submitting their status reports starting October 30 at 10:00 a.m.… Continue Reading
With Hurricane Isaac barreling toward shore, the FCC has activated its Disaster Information Reporting System. Communications providers (including broadcasters) in the affected areas are asked to log into the system and keep the FCC advised of developments as the storm hits.… Continue Reading
With Hurricane Irene moving up the East Coast, the Commission has activated its Disaster Information Reporting System. If you're in the path of the storm, be sure to log onto the DIRS site to provide the Commission with contact and status information.… Continue Reading
With two hurricanes already formed and a third threatening, it's a good time to remind broadcasters of the FCC's Disaster Information Reporting System (DIRS).… Continue Reading
An FCC reminder about important emergency contact information With the Fourth of July fading into the past and Labor Day looming ominously just beyond the horizon, hurricane season is upon us. Lisa Fowlkes, Deputy Chief of the Commission’s Public Safety & Homeland Security Bureau, has asked us to pass along to our clients and readers some … Continue Reading