Respond to Discussion Question

An explanation of the role technology, science, and engineering in disaster communications. Provide at least two specific examples of communications in your region and how technology, science, or engineering played a role. 

Communication during and immediately after a disaster situation is an essential component of response and recovery, in that it associates affected individuals, families, and communities with first responders, emotionally supportive networks, and other family members. Reliable and accessible communication and information systems also are key to a community’s resilience (NIDM, 2014).

The role of communication technology has been acknowledged and been perceived as fundamental to disaster management for a long time. Despite the fact that utilization of communication technology has a role in all the four distinct phases of disaster management namely, mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery, most of the application has traditionally been in response and recovery phases. The newly advance communication and data that have risen in the course of the most recent two decades loan themselves to more prominent potential outcomes of incorporation of various communication frameworks. The interoperability of different correspondence frameworks including web, cell phones, fax, email, radio and TV is progressively getting to be plainly utilitarian. Therefore, the potential outcomes for utilization of communication advancements in alleviation and aversion of catastrophes are likewise expanding.

All disaster crises and emergency actions are by nature disorderly and profoundly dynamic, creating physical, emotional, and social disorder. At the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport varies forms of communication is utilized for disaster management. One of those forms of communication is the usage of the Everbridge Notification System. This system is a global system that allows the airport to send out mass notifications to individuals on incidents that have occurred, or pending that could or have affected the daily operations of the airport. Those notifications are sent in various forms such as text message, email or phone. This one method allows the airport to be able to communicate and be efficient in its translation during a vulnerable and strenuous timeframe. Another method used at the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the usage of a Motorola radio system. The Motorola Radio System is a two way communication system that allows the FAA, fire, Ems, law enforcement, and other specific division of the airport to communicate when an incident occurs on the property of the airport. The advancement of technology has been very effective in how the FAA is able to communicate when an aircraft has mechanical issues, or there is an emergency onboard and the needs to land. 

Resources:

National Institute Disaster Management. (2014). Disaster Communication. Retrieved from http://nidm.gov.in/easindia2014/err/pdf/themes_issue/technology/disaster_comm.pdf

Sylves, R. (2015). Disaster policy and politics. Emergency management and homeland security (2nd ed.) Washington, DC: CQ Press.