Who initiates the activation of a TERT response?

The activation of a TERT (Telecommunications Emergency Response Taskforce) response is initiated by the Requesting Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP). This is because PSAPs are on the front lines of emergency communications and have a direct understanding of their operational needs during incidents that require additional resources. When a PSAP identifies a situation that exceeds their capacity or needs specialized support, they reach out for TERT assistance.

This process ensures that the response is tailored to the specific crisis at hand based on live demands, allowing for a more efficient and effective deployment of telecommunications resources. Other entities, such as state governments, TERT state coordinators, or public safety directors, may play important roles in the broader emergency management framework, but they do not have the direct operational insight required to make the initial call for TERT activation.