When must the Requesting PSAP update the EMA?

The requirement for the Requesting Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) to update the Emergency Management Agency (EMA) at least once a day is rooted in the need for ongoing situational awareness and effective communication during emergency responses. Frequent updates ensure that the EMA has the most current information regarding the incident being managed, which is vital for coordinating resources, managing response efforts, and ensuring public safety.

Regular daily updates facilitate real-time assessment of the situation, allowing the EMA to track the progress of operations, identify any changing conditions, and make informed decisions about resource allocation and support. This frequency strikes a balance, providing sufficient opportunity for information to develop while ensuring the EMA is not overwhelmed with excessive unnecessary communications.

In contrast, less frequent updates, such as once a week or only at the end of deployment, would risk leaving critical gaps in information flow that could hinder an effective response. Similarly, a requirement for updates every six hours may be impractical in certain scenarios where operational demand varies significantly. Thus, the expectation of at least daily updates supports a proactive approach to emergency management.