Preparing to Act Fast when Disaster Strikes

As part of our commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility, Cisco provides technology and expertise to establish secure emergency networks for governments, first responders, and relief organizations globally.

Cisco Tactical Operations (TacOps) continuously monitors for crises around the world and is ready to deploy teams and/or equipment to help reestablish communications when and where needed most. During the past 10 years alone, our TacOps team has responded to 40 incidents, including recently in North Carolina supporting connectivity during Hurricane Matthew.

I’m proud to share that Cisco will work alongside the San Francisco Department of Emergency Management (SFDEM) to assist the City of San Francisco in crisis response and recovery. SFDEM has a monumental responsibility and a difficult job.

We are there to work with the SFDEM to deploy emergency communications solutions when needed. When a crisis arises in San Francisco, Cisco’s TacOps team will be ready to apply secure, satellite-based, interoperable communications systems for the SFDEM and humanitarian organizations to coordinate relief efforts for those in need.

Depending on the crisis, we may also deploy our Network Emergency Response Vehicle (NERV) – a completely self-sufficient command and communications center designed to establish interoperable communications that require mission-critical networking to recover normal operations during a disaster.

Other portable solutions, including the Emergency Communications Kit (ECK) and Rapid Response Kit (RRK), are easy to set up and use, and are built to withstand harsh conditions. These capabilities are available and ready to supplement SFDEM’s already strong preparedness for emergency response.

Though we don’t ever wish for it, crisis happens; hoping won’t divert a crisis. We need to be ready. We’re here to work with the SFDEM to share information, and coordinate preparedness planning, training exercises, and community outreach.

This is another great example of governments and industry working together to make the world a better, safer place. We’re also here to help other communities around the world to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters in their communities.

That’s the power of Cisco, and we’re all proud to be there for SFDEM. Follow TacOps on Twitter to see how Cisco is speeding the pace of social change around the world.