NIEHS Emergency Communication Systems

NIEHS Emergency Communication Systems

by | Mar 3, 2026 | Client Success Story, Federal & National Labs, Health and Medical

Strengthening Emergency Preparedness Through Comprehensive System Analysis and Solutions

Background

The National Institute for Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) is committed to the safety of its personnel and the continuity of its operations, particularly in emergency situations. As part of ongoing improvements to its emergency preparedness, NIEHS sought a thorough evaluation of its existing Emergency Communication Systems to identify strengths, address potential vulnerabilities, and ensure effective communication both internally and externally.

Mission

SummitET was contracted by NIEHS to conduct a top-to-bottom analysis of their Emergency Communication Systems. The mission was clear: provide a comprehensive assessment that empowers NIEHS to enhance its emergency response, close communication gaps, and align with industry best practices and current technological solutions.

Solution

Our approach was multi-faceted, involving both onsite and virtual engagements. The project began with in-person meetings and campus walkthroughs to observe existing protocols, followed by virtual meetings and in-depth analysis of communication practices. The SummitET team systematically evaluated current systems, benchmarked them against market off-the-shelf solutions, and identified areas for improvement.

The outcome was a detailed report delivered to NIEHS emergency management staff and relevant oversight bodies. This report included:

  • Findings on the effectiveness and limitations of current communication systems
  • Actionable items for immediate and long-term improvement
  • Future considerations to keep pace with evolving needs
  • Recommendations for technology upgrades and integration with market solutions
  • Enhanced procedures for routine and emergency internal and external communication

Result

The final report empowered NIEHS with clear insights into their emergency communication landscape. Existing system strengths were reinforced, critical gaps were identified and addressed, and synergies with current market offerings were leveraged. As a result, NIEHS gained robust, modernized communication procedures that facilitate timely, coordinated responses in both everyday operations and crisis situations.

Conclusion

Through comprehensive analysis and actionable recommendations, NIEHS significantly enhanced its emergency communication capabilities. This partnership not only addressed immediate needs but also positioned NIEHS for future resilience, ensuring the safety and preparedness of its community in the face of evolving challenges.

Montgomery County Office of Public Health

Montgomery County Office of Public Health

by | Nov 23, 2025 | Client Success Story, Emergency Management, Health and Medical

Background

Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, is committed to safeguarding its residents through robust emergency management and public health strategies. Recognizing the growing complexity of emergencies—from natural disasters to public health crises—the Montgomery County Office of Public Health (OPH) and Department of Public Safety (DPS) sought to ensure their plans and operations were fully aligned and capable of addressing diverse threats. To achieve this, they partnered with SummitET, a leader in emergency preparedness and response, to enhance coordination, clarify roles, and strengthen operational alignment across public health and emergency management functions.

Mission Need

The central mission was to bridge gaps between OPH and DPS, ensuring both agencies could respond swiftly and effectively to emergencies. There was a critical need for comprehensive, integrated plans, clear role definitions, and training resources that would empower personnel to act decisively. The goal was to create unified strategies, tools, and exercises that would enable Montgomery County to protect its community under any circumstance.

Solution

SummitET delivered a multi-faceted initiative designed to transform Montgomery County’s emergency management and public health preparedness:

  • Comparative Plan Review: Conducted a detailed comparison between the OPH Incident Response Plan and the DPS Emergency Operations Plan to ensure seamless operational alignment and integration between public health and emergency management functions.
  • Gap Analysis & Stakeholder Engagement: Assessed existing plans against federal and state standards, while hosting virtual town halls to gather real-world insights and foster active stakeholder involvement.
  • Actionable Tools: Developed an Emergency Response Matrix that clearly defines agency roles, responsibilities, and unified command structures. Additionally, rapid-response “break-glass” playbooks were created for five high-risk incident and accident scenarios, enabling immediate, coordinated activation of relevant agencies for timely and effective response.
  • Training Roadmaps: Produced in-depth, role-specific onboarding guides for OPH and DPS personnel to accelerate readiness and ensure consistent emergency response capabilities across agencies.
  • Interactive Exercise: Facilitated an in-person, scenario-based workshop featuring six realistic scenarios to test and validate cross-agency collaboration and the newly developed emergency response matrix.

Result

Through this comprehensive partnership, Montgomery County now benefits from stronger, more integrated emergency response plans and tools. The collaborative efforts led to enhanced coordination between OPH and DPS, clarified roles and responsibilities, and streamlined operational alignment. Personnel are equipped with practical, actionable resources and training, improving their readiness for real-world incidents. The interactive workshop validated these improvements, ensuring agencies can work together seamlessly during emergencies.

Conclusion

“By strengthening emergency preparedness collaboration across departments, we’re building more resilient communities and ensuring every resident benefits from a stronger, more connected system,” said Christina Miller, Administrator, Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services Office of Public Health.

SummitET’s partnership with Montgomery County OPH and DPS marks a significant advancement in public health and emergency management preparedness. Through detailed plan reviews, stakeholder engagement, actionable tools, targeted training, and realistic exercises, the county is now better positioned to protect its community during emergencies. This success story demonstrates the value of collaboration, innovation, and strategic planning in building resilient communities.

Read the Press Release.