Voice Systems
The primary means for communicating within and outside the state is through the public switch telephone network (PSTN) using an Avaya Private Branch Exchange (PBX), G650 Gateway. Through the PBX, several direct inward dial and Centrex trunk lines provide the necessary backbone for coordination of activities with state, federal, and local agencies.
Additionally, the PBX also terminates the dedicated lines from Columbia Generating Station, (formerly WNP-2), U.S. Department of Energy, Richland, as well as tie lines from the University of Washington Seismology Lab, and extensions off of the Washington State Patrol telephone network. Other systems utilized include cellular phone and digital paging, both from AT&T Wireless Services.
Essential numbers to know:
- 1.800.258.5990 State EOC, State Emergency Operations Officer (SEOO) (24 hours), Emergency Line (primarily for use by local/state/federal agencies for reporting/coordinating emergency situations)
- 1.800.854.5406 State EOC, WHEN ACTIVATED for emergency situations
- 1.888.849.2727 State EOC, State Emergency Operations Officer (SEOO) (24 hours), Search and Rescue Line (primarily for use by local jurisdiction SAR agencies for requesting SAR missions/support)
- 253.512.7000 Emergency Management Division (EMD), main business line
- 253.512.7203 State EOC Fax line
- 253.512.7200 EMD Administrative Fax line
Satellite Telephone/Radio System
As an emergency back-up system for the state EOC, a satellite telephone/radio capability has been established using the Mitsubishi ST-121 satellite terminal with services provided through the American Mobile Satellite Corporation (AMSC), Skycell Services.
The phone number to this terminal is: 888.862.8459.
For emergency operations and search and rescue operations, particularly when other means of communications are not adequate or available, transportable Mitsubishi ST-151 satellite terminals were obtained. The transportable terminals have been positioned in seven locations within the state and are available to support local jurisdiction emergency requirements when requested and authorized through the state EOC State Emergency Operations Officer (SEOO).
The ST-121 and ST-151 can be used in two modes of operation, telephone or push-to-talk radio. The telephone operation is basically the same as operating a conventional cellular phone. For the push-to-talk radio operation, the terminals have been configured into two talk groups, thus allowing a terminal within a group to simultaneously send/receive calls to/from the other units.
The Mitsubishi satellite terminals have proven to be useful and effective where cellular service and/or two-way radio systems were not available or restricted. As a result of this testing, a three-year contract, with AMSC was established for the purchase of equipment and Skycell Services. Other state and local government agencies for procurement purposes may use this contract, with approval and agreement by the Military Department, Emergency Management Division.
