IV. Emergency Notification Systems--Plan of Action
Section 2872.5 addresses standardized notification systems and protocols for emergency notification systems. The first step in the investigation will be, in consultation with OES and DGS, to determine the standards and protocols currently in use by those entities that operate such systems. The second step will be to obtain the operating entities' and other interested parties' recommendations for standards and protocols, and the associated costs and benefits.
To this end, CD is directed to convene a technical workshop of subject matter experts to inform the Commission on this matter. The workshop to discuss "emergency notification systems" will be held June 19, 2007. CD will provide timely notice on the Commission's Calendar and to the service list.
The outcome of the workshop will be an informational request that will seek more detailed information, concerns and issues that must be addressed to establish emergency notification systems. The request will direct respondents to provide recommendations along with associated implementation costs and benefits.
The request will be sent to all facilities-based telephony providers, users of emergency notification systems (such as law enforcement agencies, fire protection agencies, public health agencies, public environmental health agencies, city or county emergency services planning agencies), and other interested parties. Upon receipt of the responses to the request, CD will compile the information into a report that:
1. Identifies the concerns and issues that the Commission must address, including funding of notification systems and any necessary statutory modifications needed to facilitate such notification;
2. Identifies recommendations presented and their level of support;
3. Identifies a recommended course of action, as well as any other viable options;
4. Discusses the costs and benefits of implementing the recommended course of action; and
5. Identifies any concerns or issues that remain to be addressed.
The draft report will be sent to the parties for comment. Upon receipt of the comments, CD, in consultation with the assigned Commissioner, will prepare a revised draft report, which will be provided to the parties for comment.6 A proposed decision, which adopts a final report, then will be prepared.
6 As explained in greater detail in footnote 5, CD may evaluate a gradation of possibilities, and it will specify its recommended options in accordance with the requirements of §§ 776, 2872.5 and 2892.1.
