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1 <br />SUBJECT: Eme <br />ORANGE COUNTY <br />BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br />ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT <br />Meeting Date: October 14, 2014 <br />Communications <br />DEPARTMENT: Emergency Services <br />Action Agenda <br />Item No. 5 <br />PUBLIC HEARING: (Y /N) No <br />ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: <br />A) Memo -BOCC Emergency Jim Groves, 245 -6140 <br />Communications Capability Progress Bonnie Hammersley, 245 -2306 <br />B) GETS Factsheet <br />C) GETS "How It Works <br />D) Wireless Priority Service Factsheet <br />E) Making Combined WPS and GETS <br />Calls <br />PURPOSE: To receive information and tools that will enhance the Board's emergency <br />communications capability during significant emergencies and disasters. <br />BACKGROUND: The Orange County BOCC requires a plan and process for emergency <br />communications and information sharing during significant emergencies and disasters. While <br />staff and the Board hope that emergency measures do not have to be implemented, the recent <br />ice storm that impacted Orange County, the on -going Public Health activity regarding the Ebola <br />outbreak in West Africa, and the continued threat of disasters due to natural or manmade <br />hazards necessitate that the BOCC has a plan. <br />The Emergency Services Director will provide guidance on emergency communications during a <br />significant emergency event or disaster, provide several options to the BOCC to improve <br />emergency communications capability, and provide Board member with a Government <br />Emergency Telecommunications System (GETS) card. <br />FINANCIAL IMPACT: This presentation is for informational purposes. Implementation of the <br />information and guidance provided may range from no cost at all, to approximately $150,000 for <br />implementation and $80,000 in recurring annual costs. <br />RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board receive the information <br />and guidance, and provide feedback to the Emergency Services Director. <br />