a.  Sponsors:  CoMNET is the product of an interagency program effort from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), bringing together the Office for Domestic Preparedness (ODP) and the FEMA’s Emergency Education Network (EENET).  CoMNET is produced by the National Terrorism Preparedness Institute, a division of the Southeastern Public Safety Institute at St. Petersburg, Florida.  Additional support is furnished by the Army National Guard and the US Army Satellite Education Network (SEN) at Ft. Lee, Va.

b.  Availability:  This FREE, public domain, videotaped program will be available as scheduled on C/KU analog satellite downlinks and on the Military/Federal CDV GETN Convergent digital satellite networks.  A live web cast will also be available at http://terrorism.spcollege.edu.  All programs are archived and available for viewing from the website using Real or Windows Media Players.  GETN/Convergent digital satellite downlinks are found at selected military and federal installations and at over 300 National Guard locations at  Joint Force HQs and ANG/ARNG locations.  Other federal and private satellite networks may also carry this program.  In addition, the program may be available to a limited number of non-satellite capable military and federal sites via VTC terrestrial relay.  Local site use coordination of satellite downlinks will be required.   

Will this program be web streamed:  Yes, this program will be available in a live and archived version.  Details will be furnished in the final coordination message upon registration.  You can also see past programs by clicking on “Archives” on the menu on the right of this page: http://terrorism.spcollege.edu. 

c.  Target Audience Statement:  The primary target audience includes federal, state and local law enforcement, fire service, emergency medical services (EMS), emergency management, and public works. Secondary audiences for this program include federal, state, and local police academies, university police, military police/security units, military emergency preparedness officials, National Guard Civil Support Teams, sheriff’s offices and public health officials.  

d.  Program  Summary:   

Feature Stories for 25 February 2004 CoMNET program include: 

Conducting A Mass Fatality Exercise:  Part III in a series on mass fatality management, CoMNET explains the importance of planning and exercising for mass fatalities associated with a WMD incident.  CoMNET visits the US Army Soldier and Biological Chemical Command (SBCCOM) to discuss the Capstone Document: Mass Fatality Management for Incidents Involving Weapons of Mass Destruction.  This document contains information on agencies that are involved in mass fatality management, interagency coordination, and planning considerations in dealing with chemically or biologically contaminated remains.  The new reference document was developed by SBCCOM and the Office for Domestic Preparedness (ODP).   

Radio Interoperability:  CoMNET discusses the issue of radio interoperability at a WMD incident.  Public safety agencies’ stand-alone radio communication systems are often incompatible with one another.  Not only are there different systems used by different agencies, within the same community, but frequently jurisdictions maintain their own systems too.  CoMNET explores the Office for Domestic Preparedness, Interoperability Communications Technical Assistance Program and how they can assist public safety agencies in obtaining reliable solutions to their interoperability problems. 

Hand-Off Within the ICS:  On the scene of a WMD incident, responders need to know and follow protocols for working and coordinating with other agencies under the Incident Command System to effectively handle specialized hazards and threats.  A hand-off may take place in the ICS from fire to law enforcement.  After federal officials arrive, another hand-off may take place from local law enforcement to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).  CoMNET explains the hand-off process within the ICS and the components of an effective transfer of command.

Know Self Protection Strategies:  CoMNET provides information to law enforcement agencies on self protection strategies at a WMD incident.  Not only should officers know how and when to use appropriate personal protective equipment, they should also understand the hazards and risks associated with wearing PPE.  CoMNET visits the Center for Domestic Preparedness (CDP) in Anniston, AL to discuss the WMD Law Enforcement Protective Measures taught in their Train-the-Trainer Course.

e.  CEUs, CMEs, Certificates:  We are pleased to announce that you may earn continuing education units or CEUs for viewing CoMNET programs.  To register for CEUs, go to the NTPI website and click on “CEUs Online”.  This link will take you through the registration process, evaluation and the program test.  With a test grade of 75% or better, you will receive a CEU certificate via e-mail or U.S. mail. 

f.  Videotape Availability:  Videotapes of prior broadcasts of CoMNET and Live Response programs are currently available from NTPI at no cost to those who request them.  Please send an e-mail with the following information to: Diana Ospina at: ospinad@spcollege.edu, or call 727-341-4130: 

Broadcast Title:
Broadcast Sponsor:
Broadcast Date:
Estimated number of viewers at your location:
Requester's Name:
Organizational Name:
Complete Mailing Address:
Telephone:
Email: 

g.  Videotape release (if taping from broadcast):  This FREE program is unclassified and non-scrambled.  There are no copyright restrictions on this program, however it MAY NOT be videotaped and re-broadcast where fees are attached to its showing.  It may not be edited, segmented, or used for commercial purposes or for profit purposes by other networks without additional permission of the sponsors.  

h.  Satellite Coordinates and Site Support Materials Packet:  Satellite Coordinates are never publicly published.  You must register to receive the satellite coordinates.  Please register as requested in the next paragraph.  No printed site support materials will be available for this broadcast. 

i.  Registration:  All new sites MUST register for this FREE, public domain program to receive the necessary satellite coordinates (C/KU) or illumination authentication (GETN/Warrior dishes) and Site Materials Website.  Sites may register at: http://www.dlnets.com/ComNet1st.htm or by calling Ed Kronholm’s Office, the Satellite Registrations Coordinator,  toll-free at 877-820-0305 or 888-820-4898.

j.  Future Programs: 

Upcoming Program Dates For Year 2004:
(All programs usually from 2:00 - 3:00 PM ET Wednesday) 

24 March – “Live Response” (2:00-3:00 PM EST)
28 April – “CoMNET” (2:00-3:00 PM EST)
26 May – “Live Response” (2:00-3:00 PM EST
23 June - “CoMNET” (2:00-3:00 PM EDT)
28 July - “Live Response” (2:00-3:00 PM EDT)
25 August - “CoMNET” (2:00-3:00 PM EDT)
22 September - “Live Response” (2:00-3:00 PM EDT)
27 October - “CoMNET” (2:00-3:00 PM EST)
17 November - “Live Response” (2:00-3:00 PM EST)
08 December - “CoMNET” (2:00-3:00 PM EST)

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