Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Assessment Teams for First Responders in Humanitarian Assistance/Disaster Relief (HA/DR) Missions
Abstract
Immediately following a natural disaster requiring Humanitarian Assistance/Disaster Relief (HA/DR), a myriad of organizations respond. Typically, these early responders send small assessment teams to determine critical needs, which are then paired with the resources available. The needs can range from basic subsistence (e.g., food, shelter, and water) to transportation and infrastructure, yet the paramount factor among these teams is the need to communicate. To assist in this effort, an Information and Communications Technology (ICT) assessment team using standardized tactics, techniques, procedures, and training to maximize effectiveness -- and consisting of members from multiple organizations -- could produce an objective and complete communications assessment. This, in turn, could be transmitted immediately to the global response community via appropriate information sharing portals. As no such model exists at present, our research attempts to explore this concept and provide an outline for an ICT assessment team model. In this thesis, we examine the model's potential structure, methodologies, equipment, and potential funding sources. The appendices include checklists derived from the findings to improve and hasten early responders' understanding of a disaster's communications needs.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2012
- Accession Number
- ADA560687
Entities
People
- Andrew T. Bell
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School