Facilities set up for communication:

Here are the disaster communication facilities:

1. DCWDS Digital Cyclone Warning Dissemination System set at Delhi and other coast area. It is for
the pre disaster information.
2. The WLL – VSAT system is in terms of handsets which can be easily taken inside of the affected
areas and sends information by direct audio communication.
3. The MSS Type C reporting terminal developed for the sending short messages directly through
satellite in remote area.
4. AES-SNG is a system which can send video pictures of the affected area for online review from
the control center.
5. Tele medicine: It is one more step for the disaster management communication. In this system,
on line help can be provided from the hospital and super specialty doctors.
Techniques/Modes for communication:
1. Social Media
a. Facebook Safety Check
This feature allows users who are located within a certain distance of a natural disaster’s occurrence, to
log in and tell friends if they’re safe and check to see if their loved ones have verified their safety as well.
b. Google Crisis Response
This is resource page provides tools, information and interactive platforms for both emergency
responders and those in need of assistance. It includes access to Google Public Alerts (emergency alerts),
Person Finder, Crisis Map, Docs & Spreadsheets, Fusion Tables, Google Earth and Google Sites. Each has
their own special application and usage to assist for better communication methods in time of need.
2. Mobile Applications (Apps)
Cell phone apps are not only fun for playing games and keeping the kids occupied on a long car ride, they
can also help in a disaster setting.
a. Life360
Life360 is a free app that allows access to a specific user’s location and also contains a messaging service
feature. Automatic alerts can notify the user when a loved one arrives or checks-in at specified
destinations as well.
b. FEMA app
This application gives users access to preparedness tips such as survival advice, emergency checklists, and
meeting locations that can be saved to a mobile device. It gives the user access to weather alerts from the
National Weather Service tailored to a specific area. Users can retrieve information on Disaster Recovery
Centers, find locations of the nearest shelters and apply for assistance.
3. Cell phone
Mobile networks quickly become overloaded due to the massive increase of users and unexpected surge
that follows a disaster. Be sure not to discount text messaging and e-mails as a communications method
as they work on a platform that is parallel to cell phones. Therefore, even if you cannot reach a person by
calling them and the line is busy, a text or e-mail message may still be able to reach the specified
destination.
4. Landline telephone
Perhaps not the most popular option anymore, but having a landline telephone can be a life saver when
access to a cellphone or other electronic device is limited or non-existent. Depending on the type of
technology supplied by your provider, it is possible that a landline telephone will work, even when internet
access is down. Landline plans vary, but are surprisingly on the cheaper side and are well-worth the
investment if for nothing else, peace of mind.
OK, all of these are great if power, internet, and access to these electronic devices is still available, but
what will happen when they’re not? These next set of items can be used without power, cords, electricity,
Wi-Fi access, etc.
"8,100,000 – Number of homes that lost power. The outages affected people in 17 states, as far west as
Michigan."
Time Magazine on Hurricane Sandy
5. Satellite phone (Sat phones)
Satellite phones are on the pricier side of the emergency devices spectrum, but are beneficial especially
in remote territories where internet access is scarce at best. Some satellite phones have coverage in all
parts of the world due to Sat phone’s reliance on orbiting satellites for their functioning versus standard
cell phone towers.
6. Two-Way radio
A two-way radio (also known as walkie-talkies) is a pair of handheld devices that can connect with each
other provided both are on the same frequency, within a certain distance. One user can talk while the
other listens and vice-versa. These are beneficial to have among emergency responders in the field as a
quick way to communicate with each other without clogging up cell phone lines.
7. Citizens Band Radio (CB Radio)
A CB radio is capable of short-distance communications on various frequencies. It is similar although more
complex than a regular two-way radio as it contains more functionality. Because it is open for use for both
business and personal use, it is a good source of general information.
8. Amateur Radio (HAM Radio)
This product is similar to a CB radio besides that it requires the user to be a licensed American Amateur
Radio operator; thus giving it a bit more authenticity to the information that is being regulated across the
air waves.
9. Police Scanner
This device allows the user to hear all emergency communication between officials in the police, rescue,
fire, respondent, military, and aircraft industries. Although the user cannot broadcast on it, it does allow
access to important information during an emergency situation.
10. Word-of-Mouth
When all else fails, power is out, internet access is scarce, and devices are ruined or have not been
purchased prior, it comes down to survival instincts. During a disaster setting it is important to have a plan
in place beforehand and practice that plan prior to a disaster occurring. If you do not have a plan in place,
try your best to not become isolated and stay together in a group to avoid being misplaced or lost.
Communication may ultimately determine how effective your response is during/after a disaster. If you
have good plans, but can’t communicate effectively your plans won’t be carried out.

This is why companies are investing heavily in communications technologies and plans as part of their
business continuity and disaster recovery planning efforts.
Mass Notification Systems, Land Mobile Radio systems, PTT, etc are all now critical parts of a
communications plan for disaster management.
WHAT IS A DISASTER?
Disaster is an event which threatens society with unwanted consequences. It is associated with disruption
of normal pattern of life, negative effects on human life and social structure. It victimizes large number of
people and cause social and economical losses. The International task group appointed by Department of
Humanitarian Affairs of United Nations defines disaster as ‘a serious disruption of the functioning of a
society, causing widespread human, material or environmental losses, which exceed the ability of affected
society to cope using only its own resources’. Disasters are characterized by the scope of an emergency.
An emergency becomes a disaster when it exceeds the capability of the local resources to manage it.
Disasters often result in great damage, loss, or destruction. Natural disasters include those unplanned
events that occur as a result of natural processes such as earthquakes, tornadoes, tsunami, freezes,
blizzards, extreme heat or cold, drought, or insect infestation.
INTRODUCTION:
Among various aspects of Disaster Management, “communication” is one of the most critical
requirement. The word “communicate” implies conveying of thoughts, ideas, warnings., instructions,
orders, command, knowledge and information. In the context of disaster management, fail-safe
communication is vital during a wide range of actions, from the significant phase of “preparedness” to
impart knowledge and information (mass education and public awareness), warning of impending threat
of disaster, calling various resources and intimation to authorities and conducting disaster management
in general.
COMMUNICATION: MEANING AND CONCEPT:
The word “communication” holds a very significant place in all walks of human life. A person is an element
of society, nation and the world and cannot live his or her in isolation. He or she has to interact with his
or her fellow human beings.
WAYS OF EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION:
Plan the Total Requirements of Today and Tomorrow:
At the outset, determine numbers – after duly identifying them – of total “subscribers” including
industries other sources of Disaster, Resources. Government Authorities and make out the phase wise
program of the required means from the list at Annexure ‘A’. Also provide for the futuristic increased
requirements.
Disaster Management Directory:
For day to day interactions, telephone is going to be the major means. Therefore, a group wise Telephone
Directory is also necessary.
Skilled Personnel:
Having obtained costly communication equipment, skilled personnel need to be inducted to handle it.
Every instrument has to be kept in daily use by scheduled “checking”. The equipment needs to be
maintained and always kept in serviceable condition.
Vigorous and Regular Training:
It must be an integral activity so as to maintain and improve the skill level. For example use of wireless set
has a specific pattern, not familiar to even educated. This has to be attended to. Also, duty personnel must
be taught the use of telephone in an economical yet clear manner.
Sub-Control Rooms/Alternate Control Centers:
In the event of main Control Room being ineffective for any reason, there must be another one to assume
charge without interruption in the operations.
Aftermath:
Once the laid down actions get under way, the situation is brought to normal, i.e., the cause of disaster is
“contained” or has passed away. While this is going on, regular progress of events is intimated to people
through proper “media”. The next action by concerned authorities, after normal life is restored, should
be to carry ruthless audit of all events, critically analyze faults, weaknesses, lapses, and shortcomings
together with impediments, if any is experienced, and introduce measures to overcome/remove them.
It is implied in the above that only correct and efficient communication can (a) prevent occurrence of a
disaster or reduce its impact, {b) reduce vital delays in aftermath and (c) in general decide the success of
disaster management efforts.
ROLE OF COMMUNICATION:
Given by the two slides

Acknowledgement:
1) Preservearticles.com
2) Quora.com
3) Masterbuilder.co.in
4) Adjustersinternational.com
5) Bartleby.com
6) Slideshare.com
7) Google.com
Headings:
1) Acknowledgement
2) Index
3) Introduction
4) What is a disaster?
5) Meaning of “Communication”
6) Role of communication in disaster management.
7) Techniques/Modes of communication
8) Facilities set up for communication
9) Ways of effective communication
10) Aftermath of disaster