Communications

Effective disaster response activities rely on flexible communications and information systems that provide a common operating picture to emergency management/response personnel and their affiliated organizations. 

Working with other agencies and organizations during and after a disaster can be challenging. We aim to ensure that our disaster response program is working as efficiently as possible with others. We hold an interagency response meeting on a routine basis, so that we know what agencies are conducting what kind of response activities and to avoid duplication unless absolutely necessary. Most communities develop a disaster-specific Unmet Needs Roundtable, in which organizations, agencies, and disaster response programs work collaboratively to determine how donated funds and other resources can be used most effectively to support disaster-affected individuals, families, and other groups. This is especially important in planning for long-term, sustainable recovery from disaster-caused needs. Consider having representation at the Unmet Needs Roundtable, so that we can inform and adjust our needs assessment, staffing, and outreach strategy accordingly wherever possible.