Activity 3.10

Read  

Textbook:	Auf der Heide, E. Disaster response - Principles of preparation and coordination, Chapter 5, pp. 80-90 (inclusive).

Reading 3.1:	Communications - Reaching the public.

Whilst the two readings are from American publications, the issues discussed in them are applicable to almost every environment. Also, reading 3.1 is a number of years old now, however the concepts and principles espoused within it are equally as true today as they were in the early 1970s. In the 1970s we didn’t have satellite communications, mobile phone technology, modern digital radio systems or the internet, however even with these advancements in technology, there is still a need for human interaction with these technologies to make them usable and effective. If there are problems with the human component of these systems, they will become inefficient and ineffective.

These articles are not intended to be used as a 'bible' but are provided rather to stimulate discussion and consideration of the implications that need to be considered when planning and preparing for emergency response communications, and should be of assistance to you in analysing the communications aspects of your selected event.

Having now read these two articles and using your own experiences, or thoughts on the matter, what are some of the major 'people' problems that you can identify? In the table below, insert the various problems that you can identify and then examine the communications systems and arrangements within the pre-impact phase of your event and see if any of these problems were relevant to your event. Your analysis may in fact highlight some problems that have not been identified. Ensure these are included within your table and explained.

Communication systems and arrangements – “People” Problems	Relevance to selected event