Communicating in Disasters
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- Date Submitted: 09/02/2015 10:44 AM
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Communicating in Disasters
Introduction
Using the evidence and theories that emerge from inquiries into to failures of communication in major incidents can demonstrate how and why they occur and aid in developing strategies to improve responses. This can be further enhanced by the examination of past incidents to establish both good and bad practices. Examination and evaluation of current legislation and guidance from the United Kingdom and abroad will allow understanding through analysis of current strategies in use to warn and inform the public prior to, during and after incidents. Further to this an analysis of how information is collated and delivered using a variety of media sources will demonstrate the needs of the public and role of emergency managers. Finally, by identifying the psychological and psychosocial needs of communities in relation to information flow may result in better strategies for alleviating and reducing some of the potential mental health effects of disasters.
Discussion
Legislation within the United Kingdom places a duty upon responders to inform the public of the risk that emergencies pose and how they will manage them (Civil Contingencies Act (CCA), 2004; Cabinet Office, 2012). Second to this responding agencies must make arrangements for warning, informing and advising the public prior to and during emergencies (CCA, 2004). The need for this legislation and associated guidance has been demonstrated by many incidents in the United Kingdom and internationally (Pollock, 2013). Failure to communicate both within and between responding agencies meant regime change was essential (Pollock, 2013). Sharing of information is subject to additional legislation to regulate and protect sensitive information in the form of the Freedom of Information Act (2000), Data Protection Act (1998) and Environmental Information Regulations (2004) (Cabinet Office, 2014). Each of these acts restricts and defines how information is shared within the United...
Introduction
Using the evidence and theories that emerge from inquiries into to failures of communication in major incidents can demonstrate how and why they occur and aid in developing strategies to improve responses. This can be further enhanced by the examination of past incidents to establish both good and bad practices. Examination and evaluation of current legislation and guidance from the United Kingdom and abroad will allow understanding through analysis of current strategies in use to warn and inform the public prior to, during and after incidents. Further to this an analysis of how information is collated and delivered using a variety of media sources will demonstrate the needs of the public and role of emergency managers. Finally, by identifying the psychological and psychosocial needs of communities in relation to information flow may result in better strategies for alleviating and reducing some of the potential mental health effects of disasters.
Discussion
Legislation within the United Kingdom places a duty upon responders to inform the public of the risk that emergencies pose and how they will manage them (Civil Contingencies Act (CCA), 2004; Cabinet Office, 2012). Second to this responding agencies must make arrangements for warning, informing and advising the public prior to and during emergencies (CCA, 2004). The need for this legislation and associated guidance has been demonstrated by many incidents in the United Kingdom and internationally (Pollock, 2013). Failure to communicate both within and between responding agencies meant regime change was essential (Pollock, 2013). Sharing of information is subject to additional legislation to regulate and protect sensitive information in the form of the Freedom of Information Act (2000), Data Protection Act (1998) and Environmental Information Regulations (2004) (Cabinet Office, 2014). Each of these acts restricts and defines how information is shared within the United...