Arizona Division of Emergency Management (ADEM)

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Radio Systems

The Arizona Emergency Operations Center Network
In 2004, ADEM partnered with APS (Arizona Public Service) in an effort to build the Arizona EOC Network. The network uses APS's 800 MHZ statewide system. Currently, ADEM has installed radios in 14 of the 15 county EOC's, along with the State EOC, the Alternate State EOC, and six (6) communications vehicles. ADEM also maintains a cache of twenty (20) portable radios on the Arizona EOC Network

Interoperability
Microwave The Arizona EOC Network 800 MHZ radios provide interoperability with Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station, Arizona Radiation Regulatory Agency, and any agency on the AIRS network. ADEM is also working with adjoining states to provide interstate EOC communications.

Along with day-to-day operational use, ADEM conducts weekly radio checks on the Arizona EOC Network for all subscribers. The weekly checks ensure:

Equipment is functioning properly
Staff is familiar with radio operation
Emergency communications procedures tested
Pertinent information is provided to EOC's

DEMA Radio Network (DRN)
DRN is a VHF radio system composed of repeaters on 9 mountain top sites throughout Arizona. The radios are linked by microwave providing substantial coverage within the state. The DRN system is currently used for the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Amber alerts. The aviation assets of the Arizona Army National Guard (AZARNG) use the system for communications. The Arizona Division of Emergency Management (ADEM) manages the system and uses the frequencies for missions and training.

The DRN is a VHF radio network which was developed more than 20 years ago by the AZARNG and a group of civilian volunteers. The network at that time was called Broadway Consumer.

The association between the AZARNG and the civilian volunteers was terminated on 31 December 2005. At that time, the Arizona Division of Emergency Management took over management of the network. The name was changed from Broadway Consumer to the DEMA Radio Network (DRN). The network continues to operate on military frequencies.

Interoperability
Along with day-to-day operational use, ADEM conducts weekly radio checks on the DEMA radio network for all Arizona counties, the Army National Guard, and other state agencies. These weekly checks ensure

Equipment is functioning properly
Staff is familiar with radio operation
Emergency communications procedures are tested
Pertinent information is provided to EOCs

Local Communications Systems
The Arizona Interagency Radio System (AIRS) is an upgrade to the prior Inter-Agency Radio System (IARS). AIRS is the primary solution for near-term statewide interoperability as a result of the Statewide Interoperability Project Study –2005. The Statewide Interoperability Project Study was initiated in support of the Governor’s 2003 Homeland Security Plan ‘Securing Arizona’, in which the Arizona Division of Emergency Management and the Department of Public Safety were tasked to establish both a short and long-term strategy to address the issue of radio system interoperability. AIRS was designed to use the statewide and nationwide ‘mutual aid channels’ throughout the State to help improve communications between all agencies.

The intent was to improve coverage in all counties, by upgrading and providing inter-connect of VHF, UHF and 800MHz repeaters via the AIRS suites at forty-five (45) sites throughout Arizona and in all counties.

More information on AIRS is available through the Statewide Interoperability Executive Committee at:

http://www.azgita.gov/pscc/

CONTACT
For additional information on any of these programs, contact us for assistance.