When disaster strikes, communication is one of the most urgent basic needs requiring attention. If traditional means of communicating – like cell towers and the Internet – are unreliable or destroyed, communities and nations must have backup plans and alternative options to implement quickly. We’ve created and shared several resources to help emphasize the importance of communication in the wake of a natural disaster (see: 3 Post-Disaster Priorities and The Importance of Emergency Operations Centers). Now, we’re eager to showcase emerging and cutting-edge communications technology advancements that can be harnessed to maximize efficiency throughout disaster response plans.
When it comes to new and improved technology, especially in the communications space, it’s important to explore all options available (or soon to be available) to determine what’s best for individual cities and communities and their respective needs. Every day, new technology is being introduced that allows leaders and organizations to maximize efficiency, meet urgent needs, and prioritize safety and stability amidst the chaos of weather events and disaster response. By highlighting a few emerging options and opportunities, we hope to inspire others to consider the most pressing potential needs of their own communities.
Otherwise referred to as NGNs, next-generation networks are “packet-based network[s] which can provide services including Telecommunication Services and [are] able to make use of multiple broadband, quality of service-enabled transport technologies.” (Source: Wikipedia and The International Telecommunication Union Telecommunication Standardization Sector (ITU-T))
One of the biggest benefits of NGNs is that they can offer unrestricted access to multiple service providers at once, making it easy to serve populations following an interruption to regular connection and communication. Advancements like these have enabled improved connectivity speeds and data transfer capabilities, which is crucial for post-disaster communications that often include location services and downloads of resources or information, especially for first responders and emergency service providers.
As satellite communication technology continues to evolve, nations are able to tap into the power of enhanced communication links and reliable connectivity in remote or disaster-stricken areas. When traditional infrastructure is damaged, satellite communication enables reliable connectivity through satellite phones or other devices. While this doesn’t make communication immediately accessible for the average citizen, it does allow leaders, organizations, and emergency responders to build a communication network quickly. Coordinating response efforts and distributing critical information is made easier through satellite-enabled devices.
The emergence of several disaster response-related apps and websites has enhanced our ability to remain connected during uncertain times. Facebook’s introduction of the ability to mark yourself safe during local weather events or disasters is a great example of alert systems in action. Imagine how quickly we could eliminate communication barriers in the wake of disaster if communities presented a united front ahead of time, joining the same app or alert system as their neighbors. By offering real-time updates and enabling connectivity, affected communities can get back online and find relevant information quickly and safely following a natural disaster.
“A mesh network is a local area network topology in which the infrastructure nodes (i.e. bridges, switches, and other infrastructure devices) connect directly, dynamically and non-hierarchically to as many other nodes as possible and cooperate with one another to efficiently route data to and from clients.” (Source: Wikipedia)
By utilizing mesh networks and their interconnected devices, communities are better able to communicate with each other directly. In the face of disaster, mesh networks are resilient, especially in comparison to traditional communication infrastructure. Devices connected through a mesh network are able to relay messages and information, even without a centralized system, making disaster response more effective.
Sometimes, connectivity isn’t the only thing keeping us from communicating effectively post-disaster. Thanks to a rise in accessibility tools and apps focused on simplifying translation in conversation and through chats, response organizations and emergency responders are better able to communicate with diverse populations in affected areas. By breaking down language barriers and harnessing technology to help us do so more effectively, we inch closer and closer to a more unified world.
The introduction of drones, balloons, and other expedient technology into the emergency response and preparedness space has changed the way response teams approach search and rescue, evacuation, and resource distribution. By equipping drones or other devices with communications technology, they can temporarily be utilized to relay updates to areas with severely damaged infrastructure. By quickly reestablishing ad hoc communication networks through these avenues, nations and communities are able to extend coverage to areas that have lost standard connectivity. Additionally, these systems allow efficient connectivity of emergency response organizations and relevant personnel. This article from Dronefly highlights several practical uses for drones and their various response capabilities, which have since improved even further. By employing quick and tactical approaches, we can temporarily restore life-saving communications across nations while infrastructure is addressed, repaired, or replaced.
The Prometheus team has long believed that awareness is a critical first step towards increasing connectivity and strengthening response efforts post-disaster. By shining a spotlight on these emerging and established communications technologies, we hope to progress the dialogue surrounding tools and equipment like those mentioned above. Technology shows no signs of slowing down, and as we aim to stay ahead of the curve, we hope to bring you along with us.
