What is NERAC Connect? NERAC Connect is the Northeast Homeland Security Regional Advisory Council (NERAC)’s Collaborative-Information Sharing system.  By using the MicroSoft SharePoint™ tool, it enables the Northeast Homeland Security Planning Region the ability to gain information across disciplines and jurisdictions.  This information-sharing platform combines seven disciplines: law enforcement, fire, emergency management, emergency medical services, hospital, public health and public works on a single site that will allow for a more formal system on disseminating all the work, project highlights and resources NERAC provides for the region. The goal is to enhance information flow and communications by enabling first responders from across the NERAC Region and from seven disciplines to share a wide range of information/data on a day-to-day basis using Microsoft SharePoint™.

NERAC Connect was developed and conceived by the Northeast Homeland Security Regional Advisory Council (NERAC).  Prior evaluation and discussion among the Council had illustrated a need for improved information sharing among first responders from different disciplines, jurisdictions and across governmental levels.  With federal homeland security funding, and under the support of the Commonwealth’s FFY07 State Homeland Security Strategy, the SharePoint system proved to be the suitable platform. Because of the success and effectiveness Microsoft SharePointÔ has already demonstrated in its capability of non-voice communication and other data sharing, creation of document libraries for forms, policies, procedures & reports, scheduling and other operational needs, it was selected as the tool needed for the communication void in the region.

As the interest, use and need of NERAC Connect grows, the system will continue to be built upon to serve the needs of each discipline.  It is the expectation that the NERAC Connect system will establish a means to enhance the collaborative nature of the NERAC community.