The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) created the National Emergency Communications Plan (NECP) to address gaps and determine solutions so that emergency response personnel at all levels of government and across all disciplines can communicate as needed, on demand, and as authorized. OEC developed the NECP in cooperation with more than 150 public and private sector emergency communications officials.  The department's new Interoperable Emergency Communications Grant Program will further enable states to align their plans with the NECP.

DHS released the 2014 National Emergency Communications Plan, which replaces the 2008 version of the Plan.  There have been ongoing changes in the communications landscape, most prevalent inpolicy, legislation, budget conditions, and technologies.  "The National Emergency Communications Plan is a strategic national emergency communications plan that promotes communication and sharing of information across all levels of government, jurisdictions, disciplines, and organizations for all threats and hazards, as needed and when authorized."  The Plan is organized into 3 sections:  Emergency Communications Landscape, National Emergency Communications Plan Strategic Components, and Implementation and Measurement.  (courtesy Homeland Security Digital Library Blog)