Emergency Management Communication Paper Example

The security landscape has changed over the years owing to the increasing complexity in the manner in which criminal or situations that need emergency attention happen. After 9/11, for instance, governments have sort of increasing the capacities of multiple agencies as a measure in which some of these emergency situations that require immediate attention can be addressed. Traditional best practices in the management of emergency situations entail a focus on the response processes, addressing the equipment needs, the establishment of evacuation routes and protocols, the establishment of alternative interim shelters, and planning for immediate medical attention. These aspects remain fundamental to the establishment of an emergency response strategy, and they optimize the chances of saving lives and property and remedying the situation. In the inclusion of these aspects in the emergency response planning, one aspect that is often ignored and is not tested with full rigor is the communication systems and infrastructure that are in place and which need to be used by the different departments and agencies that take part in the emergency management (Meacham, 2015). This paper analyzes the components of emergency management multi-agency interoperability, communication, and infrastructure needs that are critical for multi-agency preparedness. It also discusses the relationship that exists between communication and interoperability that determine the success of the emergency interventions.

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Attaining interoperability is an important metric in emergency management that ensures that all the interfaces are understood and work seamlessly and efficiently without restrictions to other systems. Interoperability is essentially the ability of an emergency system to work together and communicate thus resulting to the eased exchange of information. This concept is critical when addressing natural disasters, national disasters and other emergencies where the approach taken in the emergency has to be implemented in such a manner that it does not conflict with other systems. Interoperability, at its core, places much focus on the wellbeing of other public. In responding, a high degree of interoperability between the different agencies responding to the situation ensures that there is efficient communication between them which further ensures that evacuation of people and property is efficient (Chen, Sharman, Rao & Upadhyaya, 2008). Interoperability has several critical components such as command and management, preparedness, continued evaluation and assessment, and funding among others.

Resource management is the first component of interoperability. The resources that allow seamless communication to all the public emergency agencies are essential in realizing interoperability. Such resources include mutual aid channels, radio communication systems, and relevant wide area remote communication infrastructure. Amalgamation of the resources is a critical part of the plan component which also has to happen from the onset. Different emergency events require different scopes of resources. Resource management should entail identification of the scope of the resources and mobilization of the resources. Emergency preparation is an overarching need in combatting different scopes of emergencies that arise. The component of emergency preparedness is fundamental as it connects all the other elements. As an element of interoperability, planning entails thinking how the communication of the information to the different elements of the emergency response process. Planning also entails determination and arrangement of the control measures for the process (Chen, Sharman, Rao & Upadhyaya, 2008). A control structure oversees how communication happens. Contingency planning is also an essential part of attaining interoperability. The contingency plan has to include the management plan to be implemented.

Financing is a critical component of realizing interoperability. Proper funding ensures that the agencies run smoothly and are ready to handle emergencies when they occur. It has noted previously that the agencies faced difficulties in handling emergencies due to lacking adequate manpower, training, technology and the tools to ensure they are efficient. Funding ensures that there are adequate emergency planning and preparedness which guarantees effective address. Furthermore, increased funding ensures training for staffs of the multiagency and their staffs.

Having a good command and management structure is an essential part of interoperability especially from a multiagency context. The command structure should be done in such a manner that there are flexible coordination and communication between the different agencies. Amalgamating the different command management systems is essential. The Incident Command System ensures standardized emergency management on the ground. A multi-agency coordination system ensures that the different agencies are linked together such that there is clear coordination, prioritization, and allotment of assets.

Another aspect of interoperability is how the teams are responding to the emergency use of the available communication devices and systems. A higher familiarity with different communication tools and systems makes communication easier, boosts coordination and fastens the emergency response process. Emergencies are increasingly becoming complex and mitigating them depends on the skills and knowledge of the intervening parties. Today, many different technological systems facilitate enhanced communication during emergency interventions. These systems incorporate wired and wireless telephones, television, radio, and satellite communication. Ensuring that the different agencies are trained and equipped with the best practices of using the different technologies that aid multiagency interoperability and communication. In addition to that, the implementers of technological communication mechanisms should be trained on the need of avoiding to create barriers to communication during emergency responses. The implementation of technology for communication in multiagency emergency interventions should frequently be upgraded to reduce the likelihood of communication failure which could hamper the efforts of the interventions. Continuous training of the teams on how to better use the technologies available for communication is essential, and this should lead to certification of the emergency teams (Comfort, 2007).

Finally, there is a need to enhance continuous improvement to the emergency management planning and implementation processes. The plans that are implemented by the different agencies need to be routinely checked to ensure that they meet the needed requirements. Continuous assessment and evaluation of the processes is the precursor for improvements to the processes. Some of the intricate details that have to be scrutinized during the assessments and evaluations include the speed and efficiency of the agencies at arriving at the scenes of emergency. How fast the agencies respond to the emergencies and how efficient they utilize the different communication tools and technologies denotes the preparedness of the agencies in addressing different scopes of emergencies. The Department of Homeland Securities, which oversees the different emergency intervention agencies such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has to invest more in planning and preparedness by ensuring that the agencies are equipped and trained to be ready to handle emergencies when they occur.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it can be appreciated that interoperability and communication in multiagency emergency management is a critical subject which needs to be taken care of appropriately. As the agencies cannot underestimate any given emergency situation, proper preparation and deployment is fundamental to saving critical lives and property. The discussed components above are critical in all these endeavors.

References

Chen, R., Sharman, R., Rao, H. R., & Upadhyaya, S. J. (2008). Coordination in emergency response management. Communications of the ACM, 51(5), 66-73.

Comfort, L. K. (2007). Crisis management in hindsight: Cognition, communication, coordination, and control. Public Administration Review, 67, 189-197.

Meacham, Greg, (2015). Communication Preparedness for Emergency Response. EHS Today. Retrieved 20 July 2018, from http://www.ehstoday.com/fire_emergencyresponse/ehs_imp_12542