Communications in Natural Disasters,

Abstract

Field data collected on a sample of twenty-four natural disasters in the United States during the years 1963 through 1970 are analyzed in a summary of communication processes and problems. Communication is defined as a process in which messages are sent from one point to another, while communication structure denotes the patterned relationships among parts linked in this process. Three kinds of communication structures are examined. Internal communication refers to message transmisssion between points within single organizations; interorganizational communication involves messages passing between two or more separate organizations; and public-to-organization communication refers to messages received by groups from a number of individual members of the general public. In the discussions of each of these three types of communication relationships, typical problems encountered in disaster situations are mentioned, the more common ways in which communication capability is increased and demands reduced are outlined, and the most frequent changes in communication patterns initiated following involvement in an actual disaster are described. (Author)

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 1971
Accession Number
AD0723993

Entities

People

  • Robert A. Stallings

Organizations

  • Ohio State University

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Materials and Manufacturing Processes

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Disasters
  • Emergencies
  • Natural Disasters
  • United States

Fields of Study

  • Psychology

Readers

  • Emergency Management and Homeland Security.
  • Systems Analysis and Design
  • Tactical Satellite Communications Systems Engineering.