Inspect and Maintain Remote Communications Sites

Remote communications sites are a necessity for all emergency services organizations to perform effectively and efficiently. Inoperable communications equipment can be a disaster to the jurisdiction and has the potential to affect a regional area as well.  These sites should be monitored closely, maintained regularly and treated as critical infrastructure. 

Because critical equipment is housed inside equipment shelters/buildings or mechanical rooms far away from occupied locations;

During a recent survey of your facility, it was noted that regular inspections are not conducted and or monitoring equipment is not in place for critical equipment located at one or more of your remote communications sites.

We recommend your organization install remote monitoring equipment at each site where feasible and at a minimum perform routine documented inspections of the property and equipment at risk.

Each remote site or equipment area should be evaluated with the considerations listed below:

• Temperature, Humidity and operational status should be monitored.
• Vegetation growth that constitutes a fire hazard inside the perimeter fencing or around critical equipment.
• Inspections for unknown damage such as (animal, insect or rodent infestation, power surges, lighting strikes and vandalism.)

Additional information may be reviewing NFPA 1221-Standard for the Installation, Maintenance, and Use of Emergency Services Communications Systems, 2013

Available Resources

• NFPA 1221 Standard for the Installation Maintenance and Use of Comm Systems
• Remote Communication Sites - Security & Climate Control