As hurricane season begins, North Carolina continues strengthening the systems and partnerships that maintain reliable emergency communication across the state. Preparedness is a year‑round effort designed to ensure Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) and public safety agencies can continue operating even during severe weather.
State agencies, local partners, and the N.C. 911 Board work together to ensure critical technology and communication systems are ready well before storms approach. This ongoing effort helps ensure communities have uninterrupted access to emergency services.
Strengthening Communication and Redundancy
The N.C. 911 Board supports PSAPs with multiple layers of communication backup to keep them operating under stressful conditions. Key preparedness efforts include:
Distribution of 601 portable radios that connect to the statewide VIPER network. These provide a portable, reliable means of communication if primary radio consoles become inoperable.
Implementation of FirstNet wireless redundancy. All primary PSAPs have dual AT&T Virtual Private Networks, and the statewide addition of a FirstNet wireless Access Point Name (APN) offers an extra layer of protection for 911 call delivery during service disruptions.
Deployment of wireless enhanced push-to-talk radios to every Board-funded PSAP. These rugged devices support instant communication with the N.C 911 Board's Network Monitoring and Assistance Center and partner PSAPs and are tested monthly to ensure readiness.
Expanding Connectivity Options
Maintaining communication during hurricanes often requires multiple forms of network access. To support this, the N.C. 911 Board is introducing expanded connectivity tools:
Low Earth Orbit Satellite connectivity provides PSAPs with a backup internet connection to access essential applications if local service provider infrastructure is damaged or inoperable.
Real-time 911 call data interoperability tools allow PSAPs to share incident information, receive live transcriptions, and communicate more seamlessly across jurisdictions. This supports coordinated response when emergencies affect multiple jurisdictions at once.
Enhancing Cybersecurity and System Monitoring
Cybersecurity and system oversight remain central to maintaining stable 911 services during hurricane impacts. Preparedness efforts include:
Cybersecurity assessments for all N.C. 911 Board-funded PSAPs at no cost to the local jurisdiction. Each PSAP receives recommendations to strengthen its environment and improve incident response planning.
Around-the-clock 911 network monitoring through the Network Monitoring and Assistance Center. In addition to the NMAC, during major storms, the incident NMAC (iNMAC) is stood up to support impacted PSAPs and to coordinate with the State Emergency Operations Center as part of Emergency Support Functions #2 (ESF 2).
Prepared for the Season Ahead
As another hurricane season begins, North Carolina remains committed to reinforcing emergency communication systems, strengthening technical resilience, and supporting the agencies and communities that rely on these essential services. By preparing early and maintaining strong partnerships across the state, North Carolina is better equipped to respond effectively to whatever the season may bring.