A PIER Systems Inc. White Paper

The following White Paper is intended to give an overview about how government organizations can effectively use PIER to implement regional preparedness and sustain interoperable communications.

For government organizations, a highly organized, interconnected communication structure is key to meeting security objectives and ensuring public safety. Regional organizations must practice regional preparedness standards to exchange information between multiple jurisdictions. Tightly-knit procedures and processes are required to close any gaps in that infrastructure.

Interoperable communications allow public safety agencies from all levels of government to coordinate efforts, collaborate on projects, and share resources to improve critical operations between jurisdictions and help each organization meet emergency response demands regardless of cause, size or complexity.

To ensure the ability to access and share information during a crisis or major disaster, multi-agency interoperable communication systems must have the ability to exchange information among facilities, mobile platforms, and portable devices—even amongst dispersed teams in off-site locations.

Leading government organizations within the Houston and Atlanta Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) regions use PIER as a "one-stop" solution to link communications, collaborate, share resources, quicken response times and uphold National Preparedness guidelines.

Enhanced Regional Preparedness

The PIER System creates a communications link between multiple jurisdictions helping them to coordinate regional public safety efforts. Public information officers from different areas can share resources and collaborate on projects before releasing information to the public, media and other affected stakeholders.

Community Preparedness and Participation

Preparing the community and encouraging active participation is important to keep people informed. The PIER System serves as an easy-to-access, interactive website which allows the public to receive important news, information and updates 24/7. PIER also allows organizations to quickly respond to inquiries from the community via powerful inquiry management features.

Emergency Public Information and Warnings

Modern technology demands that information is distributed in a variety of ways to reach the most people in a short amount of time. PIER allows delivery of public information and emergency notifications via email, fax, Web pages, RSS feeds, SMS text messages, automated phone messages, and social media networks such as Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn.

NIMS Compliant Joint Information System

NIMS guidelines ensure that government organizations are prepared for emergency situations by using interconnected systems intended for prevention, protection, response, and recovery. PIER is a NIMS compliant Joint Information System designed to help multiple jurisdictions share resources and collaborate seamlessly. PIER allows teams to gather and verify information, draft and approve documents, distribute information, monitor reactions, and respond to inquiries.

EPIA Plan Development, Exercises and Training

In addition to providing the platform that facilitates interoperable communications, PIER Systems, through its Strategic Services arm develops Emergency Public Information Annex plans meeting NIMS requirements. With significant major incident response experience, the Strategic Services team assists with planning and implementing Joint Information Center exercises and JIC and PIER training.

Do More with Less: Minimize Use of Government Funding

Because PIER is an all-in-one communication platform, it eliminates the need to use multiple systems. PIER's single, integrated system allows organizations to get more done with fewer resources, allowing government funding and grants to be distributed further.