Transcript Disaster Telecommunications An early draft Ray J. Vaughan, MS Last update 11/6/2015 Disaster Telecommunication  Radio communication is the most useful telecommunication service, but not.

Disaster Telecommunications
An early draft
Ray J. Vaughan, MS
Last update 11/6/2015
Disaster Telecommunication
 Radio communication is the most useful
telecommunication service, but not the only.
Even in the middle of nowhere, many
telecommunication systems exist, but need to
be planned and executed carefully.
Define Needs
 Long or short term disaster situation
 Radio is good, but sometimes other
technology is better
 Picture = 1000 words
 Fax? Data?
 Client confidentiality issues

No victim names over radio
Ham Radio

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FCC Amateur Radio = Ham Radio
Amateur means unpaid, not unprofessional
Needs a presentation of it’s own
ANYTHING possible on any other
telecommunication system is possible with Amateur
Radio
 In an emergency, even the liberal rules are waived
to allow even more.
FRS
 Most common radios today
 Many homes own at least one
 Good for mass communication
 FRS one for emergencies
Cellular
 Good backup to landline phones
 Cell sites will be loaded with full time
connections for the media
 It may be possible to prioritize your calls in
the case of cellular overload
Power sources
 See presentation on Emergency Power
Sources
Telephone Lines
 Is it a declared emergency?
 Commandeer telephone lines
 Not shared with anyone except the owner
 Usually more stable than any wireless
solution
Where to find a line
 Telephone cross boxes
 Network interfaces on buildings
 Phone rooms
 Long temporary runs are possible
 Contact telco representative at the EOC with
line number, request for your own emergency
lines on those pairs
Internet
 Why?
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Weather data
News
Databases, GIS
 DirectPC

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One way with phone line
Two way satellite no line needed
 Nextel Wireless Internet service
 RAMData Blackberry
Wireless Networking
 802.11, Wi-Fi
 PC Cards
 Within the CP
 To the Internet
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Existing services
Temporary link to CP
Not secure
TV
 Local news
 Diversion
 Entertain the effected

Projection TV and movies
 Cable TV connections

May be out of service
 Little dish (DSS) service
Summary
 Be willing to think outside of the box
 Have the tools and parts ready for many
situations
 Define need, then think of any possible
solution, then pick the best one available.
 Practice scenarios with every drill

Never the way solution twice