ALBANY, N.Y. – The Federal Communications Commission on Wednesday announced a series of hearings nationwide to try to find ways to avoid widespread loss of communications among first-responders, emergency managers and the general public in disasters like superstorm Sandy.

"This unprecedented storm has revealed new challenges that will require a national dialogue around ideas and actions to ensure the resilience of communications networks," said FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski.

"As our thoughts and sympathies remain with those who have suffered loss and damage as a result of superstorm Sandy, I urge all stakeholders to engage constructively in the period ahead," the chairman said.