DHS developing plan to improve communication among first responders

Several initiatives have been launched to better coordinate the efforts of "first responders" to emergencies to improve communication among agencies and law enforcement.

Deputy Homeland Security Secretary James Loy told firefighters on Thursday that a national response plan is under way, with guidance from law enforcement, local, state and federal officials to close security gaps.

Under the plan, the federal response -- from prevention and preparedness to response and recovery -- will be housed under a single system. A standardized framework of common terminology and protocols for all levels of government was created under the National Incident Management System.

The Office of Interoperability and Compatibility was established to manage the coordination of communications and equipment of first responders, he said.

The department also released a statement of requirements for communications, which outlines technology requirements for wireless communications and interoperability.