State of Maine Communications Interoperability Plan (SCIP) Monthly Update –February 2011 #35 State’s Interoperability Vision The State of Maine will have a firmly established, formally managed and maintainable communications environment, based on technology, protocols, training and usage, that will provide seamless communications capability to all emergency management, first responder, and response support organizations at the local, regional and State levels, enabling them to exchange information via voice and data means, [...]

REGIONAL RADIO MEETING WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 29, 2012 WILTON FIRE STATION, 6:00 PM This very important meeting of the Franklin County Regional Radio Committee is being called to address questions relating to the Narrow Banding of all public radio licenses currently being used by many of us. According to Rob McAleer, Director of MEMA (Maine Emergency Management Agency) in a recent statement indicated the following: Effective JANUARY 1, 2013 all Public [...]

    Border Interoperability Demonstration Project (BIDP)  Maine Emergency Management Agency Deputy Director, Bruce Fitzgerald (standing) explains the BIDP Project. Project Manager, Frank Kirk (seated left) and Aroostook Emergency Management Director, Vern Ouellette are also shown in the picture.     Tim Hardy, Director of Franklin County Emergency Management Agency hosted a Border Interoperability Demonstration Project, (BIDP) meeting Tuesday, February 07, 2012 at the Franklin County District Court Building in [...]

A POWER OUTAGE PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT from the Franklin County Emergency Management Agency DURING SEVERE WEATHER EVENTS: CHECK THIS WEB SITE FOR ROAD CLOSURES AND POWER OUTAGE REPORTS. BE SURE TO STAY TUNED TO TV AND RADIO REPORTS FOR POWER OUTAGES AND ROAD CLOSURES.     AND…….. If the power goes out at your home, here are some ways to make sure you and your family are safe while you [...]

  What You Can Do To Improve Air Quality For Breathing While Heating With Wood * Weatherize your home, such as closing up areas that will let heat escape. * Have your chimney, flue, and woodstove inspected and cleaned at least once per year.   * Use wood pellets. They burn 25-50% cleaner than cord wood. * Replace an old woodstove, fireplace, or fireplace insert (built before the late 1980s) [...]

Franklin County Emergency Management Newsletter Maine’s Franklin County EMA director, Tim Hardy, takes a quick look back at 2011, and really looks forward to 2012 as he works on the BIDP Homeland Security grant and the IMC C.A.D. (Computer Aided Dispatch)/RMS Interoperability System Implementation Project. You can read about those two projects and other activities at the Franklin County EMA office in the winter newsletter. The newsletter can be viewed [...]

Hi! I am Clyde Ross, Public Information Officer for the Franklin County EMA. I have important safety messages to share with you! Each month a new safety message will be posted on our web site. All you need to do is click on the ARROW, turn up your volume, and listen. Is your heating system ready for the long winter ahead? Heating Safety Tips by Franklin County EMA Thank you for taking [...]

The State of Maine Communications Interoperability Plan (SCIP) Newsletter has updates and reminders about narrowband conversion. Open the page by clicking on FCEMA’s logo. Open the newsletter here! click here

Would you, or someone you know, need help and assistance during an emergency such as flooding, an ice storm or a prolonged power outage? Make us a part of your emergency plan by registering with Franklin County Emergency Management Agency. If you are a resident of Franklin County, Maine and have medical needs, mobility difficulties or other conditions that make it difficult to manage in an emergency, you can register [...]

Franklin County Emergency Management Agency is pleased to offer readers information from the National Weather Service (http://www.nws.noaa.gov/climate/index.php?wfo=gyx) for WINTER WEATHER AWARENESS. While some of this information is tailored toward the states of Maine and New Hampshire, most of the information is pertinent to other areas of the country as well. PREPAREDNESS TIP FOR THE DAY Automobile accidents are the leading cause of deaths and injuries during and after winter storms. [...]

Franklin County Emergency Management Agency is pleased to offer readers information from the National Weather Service (http://www.nws.noaa.gov/climate/index.php?wfo=gyx) for WINTER WEATHER AWARENESS. While some of this information is tailored toward the states of Maine and New Hampshire, most of the information is pertinent to other areas of the country as well. PREPAREDNESS TIP FOR THE DAY: Heavy wet snow or a significant ice accumulation, especially when combined with wind can cause [...]

Franklin County Emergency Management Agency is pleased to offer readers information from the National Weather Service (http://www.nws.noaa.gov/climate/index.php?wfo=gyx) for WINTER WEATHER AWARENESS. While some of this information is tailored toward the states of Maine and New Hampshire, most of the information is pertinent to other areas of the country as well. Today’s subject is EXTREME COLD, HYPOTHERMIA, FROSTBITE, AND WIND CHILL! PREPAREDNESS TIP FOR THE DAY: During very cold and windy [...]

Franklin County Emergency Management Agency is pleased to offer readers information from the National Weather Service (http://www.nws.noaa.gov/climate/index.php?wfo=gyx) for WINTER WEATHER AWARENESS. While some of this information is tailored toward the states of Maine and New Hampshire, most of the information is pertinent to other areas of the country as well. Today’s subject is HIGH WIND, COASTAL FLOODING AND EROSION, AND DENSE FOG THREATS PREPAREDNESS TIP FOR THE DAY: In addition [...]

This is the last in a series of five Public Information Statements from the Franklin County Emergency Management Agency and from the National Weather Service (http://www.nws.noaa.gov/climate/index.php?wfo=gyx) for WINTER WEATHER AWARENESS. While some of this information is tailored toward the states of Maine and New Hampshire, most of the information is pertinent to other areas of the country as well. In northern New England, everyone is potentially at risk during winter [...]

Franklin County Emergency Management Agency announces that a new consolidated system for dispatch provided by TriTech’s Imc Solutions software has been developed in collaboration with multiple agencies in Franklin County. This project was guided through the process by Franklin County’s EMA director, Tim Hardy. The Franklin County agencies involved included Sheriff, the Dispatch Center, Police, Fire, and the University of Maine Farmington Security Police Department. To read more about this [...]

NARROWBANDING COUNTDOWN CONTINUES! ARE YOU READY? PLAN NOW FOR NARROWBANDING! MEMA still has copies of its DVD, “Narrowband: Will you be ready?” which explains the Narrowbanding changes. If you would like a copy, contact Steve Mallory. More information can be found in the STATE OF MAINE COMMUNICATION INTEROPERABILITY PLAN (SCIP) NEWSLETTER: click here

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT NEWS   Winter  You may wish it were over, but we know that there is still plenty of unpredictable winter weather ahead.  This is a great time to get started with an emergency plan. For your family or your business, making an emergency plan starts with simple steps.  And the best part in these tough times: planning is free! If you get stuck, help is always available from [...]