The primary goal of any emergency response to a disaster is the protection of human life. This overarching goal is not limited to only the cataclysmic event; the goal extends to both the time before and the time after the event. At first, proper planning and training must be refined in order to put forth a seamless integration of specific training, skills, and experiences. Next, there must be a reliable telecommunications system in place to allow for a unified coordination of disaster responses. A major aspect of this coordination is the delegation of authority and responsibilities. The individual responders, as well the entities for which they work, must be able to work together if there is to be an effective response to large disasters.
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When these novelties emerge, first responders must turn to what is perhaps the most important tool in their arsenal- wireless communications. The ability to communicate with others outside of the situation at hand is invaluable. First responders can report back to command posts regarding imminent and current threats, which can provide vital information for the best response. Additionally, when first responders encounter situations that are simply too dangerous, more specialized personnel and equipment can be called in to handle the situation. When considering destructive events such as the deployment of biological or radiological weapons, the need for immediate evacuations can be paramount (US Department of Homeland Security, n.d.). One must consider the reliability of wireless communications due to the possibility of large scale attacks or attacks that specifically target telecommunications. When these events occur, towers can be damaged or destroyed and the electrical power can be interrupted or terminated. In order to mitigate these communication challenges, one should consider the use of redundant systems in communication towers and electrical power. One such way to provide emergency power to communication systems is through the use of back-up generators that can help alleviate communication failures due to a faulty power grid (PBS, 2015). Additionally, the ability …show more content…
The best response to a disaster is one that is prepared for well ahead of time and involves as many actors as possible. This preparation allows for the discovery of strengths that can be shared and weaknesses that can be improved upon through inter-entity cooperation. This cooperation is put to the test during an emergency response to a disaster. While training can provide the basis for an effective response, only through effective communication can responding agencies adapt to ever-changing elements of a disastrous event. This communication is only possible through the development of a strong telecommunications system. Moreover, another important aspect of an effective emergency response is adherence to a chain of command for the reason that every level of emergency response must have a clear idea of both individual responsibilities and how those responsibilities connect with the overall response. This big picture or disaster response is not complete without attention to recovery efforts that focus on reconstruction of the affected community. These efforts often times last long after the initial event, and require a great number of vital resources that can ensure a community is sufficiently on the road to
When these novelties emerge, first responders must turn to what is perhaps the most important tool in their arsenal- wireless communications. The ability to communicate with others outside of the situation at hand is invaluable. First responders can report back to command posts regarding imminent and current threats, which can provide vital information for the best response. Additionally, when first responders encounter situations that are simply too dangerous, more specialized personnel and equipment can be called in to handle the situation. When considering destructive events such as the deployment of biological or radiological weapons, the need for immediate evacuations can be paramount (US Department of Homeland Security, n.d.). One must consider the reliability of wireless communications due to the possibility of large scale attacks or attacks that specifically target telecommunications. When these events occur, towers can be damaged or destroyed and the electrical power can be interrupted or terminated. In order to mitigate these communication challenges, one should consider the use of redundant systems in communication towers and electrical power. One such way to provide emergency power to communication systems is through the use of back-up generators that can help alleviate communication failures due to a faulty power grid (PBS, 2015). Additionally, the ability …show more content…
The best response to a disaster is one that is prepared for well ahead of time and involves as many actors as possible. This preparation allows for the discovery of strengths that can be shared and weaknesses that can be improved upon through inter-entity cooperation. This cooperation is put to the test during an emergency response to a disaster. While training can provide the basis for an effective response, only through effective communication can responding agencies adapt to ever-changing elements of a disastrous event. This communication is only possible through the development of a strong telecommunications system. Moreover, another important aspect of an effective emergency response is adherence to a chain of command for the reason that every level of emergency response must have a clear idea of both individual responsibilities and how those responsibilities connect with the overall response. This big picture or disaster response is not complete without attention to recovery efforts that focus on reconstruction of the affected community. These efforts often times last long after the initial event, and require a great number of vital resources that can ensure a community is sufficiently on the road to