Technology and Communications in an Urban Crisis: The Role of Mobile Communications Systems in Disasters

Emergency response and recovery efforts can be more flexible by using advances in technology that allow for mobile communication systems. This paper reviews mobile communication technology and practice for emergency command and control. The paper also highlights the importance of rapidly deployable, all-terrain communications units for disaster management in improving community response. Recent literature and official reports regarding the performance of mobile communications in recent disasters, including Hurricane Katrina, are discussed. Findings indicate that properly equipped and highly maneuverable mobile command and communication units can prevent communications blackouts between emergency responders and command personnel. These units can assist cities with improved response and increase community resiliency. When new and untested technologies are employed, however, checking the response preparedness through drills and simulations is essential.

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