Disaster Information Reporting System (DIRS)
DIRS is a voluntary, web-based system that communications companies, including wireless, wireline, broadcast, and cable providers, can use to report communications infrastructure status and situational awareness information during times of crisis.
The FCC encourages all communications providers to enroll in DIRS to be better prepared to respond and recover in the event of a disaster.
Benefits for Communications Providers
- Designate contact: Allows communications providers to identify the appropriate contact for his/her station during emergencies; and, in turn, eliminates lost time when trying to identify and coordinate with the federal contacts who can provide immediate assistance.
- Receive help: Provides an avenue for communications providers to restore their operations and receive additional help during emergencies, e.g., securing generators, fuel, etc.
- Streamline requests: Reduces the number of requests from various government agencies for status of each station. Other government agencies will rely on the FCC (DIRS) for status of each broadcast station.
- Aid your community: Better ensures that communications providers will be able to serve their communities, providing them with critical updates and risk communications information from reliable and credible sources during emergencies.
In the event of a major disaster, the FCC and the Department of Homeland Security's National Communications System need to have accurate information regarding the status of communications services in the disaster area, particularly during restoration efforts.
When activated, DIRS will collect information concerning:
- Switches
- Public Safety Answering Points (used for E9-1-1)
- Interoffice facilities
- Cell sites
- Broadcast stations
- Cable television systems
How to Enroll in DIRS:
- Click the “Enroll” button.
- Click “Accept” to enter the secure, protected sign-up site.
- You will need the following information to sign up:
- Reporting Company
- Company ID (for existing company accounts)
- Type of Company (Cable, Wireless, etc)
- Contact Person
- Phone Number, with extension of contact
- Cell Phone Number
- Blackberry Number
- Address
- Click “Submit” and record the username and password generated for your account. You can update the username and password once logged in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I obligated to report information to DIRS?
No, DIRS is voluntary. However, federal government agencies working on potential disasters need to know the status of communications equipment, and your participation is greatly appreciated.
Do I need a User ID to access DIRS?
The Commission requests that each communications provider who chooses to participate in DIRS obtain User IDs for any and all individuals in their company who may be providing information on the status of communications equipment in the event of a disaster. When a communications provider applies for a User ID, he/she provides contact information including contact name, company name, phone number, cell phone number, Blackberry/pager number, and e-mail address. Many communications providers use the call letters of their station as their company name. This information will be secured by the Commission and protected from public release. When a communications provider obtains a User ID, DIRS provides that user with a password which the user can change.
During a disaster, how often should I report changes in equipment status?
Report updates daily or as often as possible, even if reporting “no change.” The goal of DIRS is to be able to see accurate information on equipment that is functioning or still in need of repair. Once equipment necessary to sustain daily operations is working properly, updates are no longer needed.
Who determines when DIRS is activated?
The FCC and the National Communications System (NCS) make a joint decision. Typically, DIRS is only activated for major disasters.
How do I know when DIRS is activated?
When disaster data collection is activated in response to a crisis, all contacts in DIRS will receive an e-mail informing them of the DIRS activation and requesting status information.
What should I do if I cannot access DIRS?
Contact John Healy at 202-418-2448, John.Healy@fcc.gov or Julia Tu at 202-418-0731, Julia.Tu@fcc.gov. DIRS can also be accessed under e-filing on the Commission’s main webpage (www.fcc.gov).
Releases
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9/3/10
The FCC's Public Safety & Homeland Security Bureau Announces the De-activation of the Disaster Information Reporting System (DIRS) for Earl.
Public Notice: Word | Acrobat
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9/2/10
The FCC's Public Safety & Homeland Security Bureau Announces the Activation of the Disaster Information Reporting System (DIRS) in Response to Hurricane Earl.
Public Notice: Word | Acrobat
- 8/6/10
Media Bureau and Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau Encourage Television and Radio Broadcasters to Enroll in the FCC's Disaster Information Reporting System (DIRS) this Hurricane Season. (Public Notice) - 6/12/09
Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau Announces Limited Waiver of Sections 4.9 and 4.11 of the Commission's Rules during Activations of the Disaster Information Reporting System. (Public Notice) - 9/11/08
DIRS Reporting Data to be Shared With Federal ESF-2 Agencies. (Public Notice) - 9/11/07
The FCC's Public Safety & Homeland Security Bureau Launches Disaster Information Reporting System (Public Notice)
Federal Communications Commission