Skip to Main Content

Chapter 3: Communications

INTRODUCTION

Communication means successfully exchanging information so that the message reaches the correct recipient in a timely manner and is interpreted accurately. In resource-poor situations, especially following disasters, communication difficulties are usually the major problem health care and other service/rescue providers face.

POST-DISASTER COMMUNICATION NEEDS

Relying on a predisaster or “normal” telecommunication system—such as landline telephones, cellular telephones, or pager systems—to work in austere circumstances is foolish. Communication systems fail during disasters due to network/signal problems, electrical power loss, damage to infrastructure, surviving infrastructure (telephone, cellular phones, etc.) overload, or system damage that overwhelms repair crews.

Multiple space-based satellite communication systems have been used internationally during disasters.1 Even in the best circumstances, however, this type of communication may not be available until several hours, or even days, after major disasters, while good communication is needed immediately. Whichever makeshift methods are used will depend on what resources are still available.

Preparation for Disaster Communications

Experienced, prepared spokespeople are needed to communicate with the professional teams and the public before, during, and after disasters. They need specific skill sets that address “risk communication.” (See Table 3-1 and “Hardest Decisions: Who Allocates Scare Healthcare Resources” video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w2qFjRNmtX4.) Building communication capacity prior to a disaster includes prewriting public service announcements in multiple languages that address questions that frequently arise during disasters (Table 3-2) and maintaining contact lists. These lists, to be updated on a scheduled basis, should include reliable information sources in frequently affected regions, media contacts that can rapidly disseminate information, and government agencies and nongovernmental organizations that can provide assistance.

TABLE 3-1Most Important Skills for Disaster Communicators
View Table||Download (.pdf)
TABLE 3-1 Most Important Skills for Disaster Communicators

  • Ability to lead a communications team composed of people from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds

  • Ability to coordinate a communications strategy

  • Effective writing and editing skills

  • Ability to photograph, video, and edit events

  • Media relations experience

  • Public health competency and knowledge

  • Ability to be diplomatic and respectful in complex sociocultural-political contexts

  • Ability to remain calm under stress

  • Ability to be flexible

Adapted from Medford-Davis and Kapur.2

TABLE 3-2Typical Disaster Messages to Prepare in Advance
View Table||Download (.pdf)
TABLE 3-2 Typical Disaster Messages to Prepare in Advance

  • How to sterilize water and avoid waterborne illnesses (S, F, E)

  • Using protection to avoid secondary injuries (S, F, E, C)

  • Who should and how to get vaccines/immunizations (S, F, W, E)

  • Low risk of disease from corpses after natural disaster (S, F, W)

  • How to safely stay warm/cool (S, F, W)

  • How to get food and water (S, F, W)

  • Do not come and volunteer unless asked: Directed outside affected area (S, F, W, D, C)

  • Do not send unrequested donations of material or ...

Pop-up div Successfully Displayed

This div only appears when the trigger link is hovered over. Otherwise it is hidden from view.

This site uses cookies to provide, maintain and improve your experience. MH Privacy Center Close