Communications in disaster operations has been problematic throughout history. Discuss the responsibility for communications and define the steps necessary to develop, prepare and employ a Joint Communications Support Unit for disaster response. Based on first hand knowledge and lessons learned from numerous disaster deployments, the four phases of the workshop will include:

Phase I: Problem, Concept, Administrative Oversight, Planning, Funding, Equipment Selection and Sources, Preparation, Staffing and Training.

Phase II: Alert Status, Deployment Options, Deployment Types, Deployment Operations, Rotation Schedules, Life in the Field, Reporting, Support for Deployed Units.

Phase III: Hand Off, Recovery, Redeployment, Reconstitution, Debriefing, Personnel Issues (CISD)

Phase IV: What about the families, Media Frenzy, What’s coming next. The final portion of the workshop will be an open forum opportunity for question and answer.

Gain an understanding of the communication problems in disaster situations and the breakdown of responsibilities that occur which prevent rapid restoration. Discuss a well defined solution which can and should be implemented in every jurisdiction that anticipates the potential for a disaster response.