Covering Disaster

Covering Disaster

            Covering Disaster is an article that discusses the way information is gathered, shared and distributed during a time of crisis, whether it is a natural disaster or terrorist attack. Both natural disasters and terrorist attacks have been on the rise in the past few decades and more is finally being done to help ensure the safety and prevention of injury of those who happen to be living in the specific area that is being affected. With the growing popularity of cell phones in all areas of the world this effort is becoming easier. Cell phones are more popular than ever according to the article, by the end of 2008 4 billion people in the world had cell phone subscriptions, basically 61 in every 100 people. Many of those cell phones have access to the internet which can access social media sites like Facebook and Twitter which are now becoming popular ways to get out important information during a time of crisis.

            With our constant advances in technology we experience a number of opportunities and also challenges when it comes to sharing information through social networks and while using our phones. Information flow must be two-way to be effective, information will not be used unless it is trusted, and information will be helpful only if it is accurate. Keeping those three things in mind organizations have formed to help ensure the safety of locals during a time of crisis. However, it isn’t just the simple fact of informing people that something bad is about to happen. What seems to lack the most is the knowledge of people as to what they should do if something is about to happen, and what they should do after. The article talked about being able to provide individuals with information before and after crisis but often times it wasn’t the information that people were looking to hear. People want to know where they can go for housing or supplies if they have lost everything and until lately that was never considered.

            Using social media networks allows others to reach a large population and alert them about a threatening issue or storm that is forming. Not only have individuals began to use social media and cell phones just to warn people about something but also to help them after. It is very common now that through social networks and by texting, people can contribute to relief efforts even if what has happened is half way around the globe. Many have utilized text messages to donate to relief efforts or social networks to form groups that will mobilize or do other things to help provide supplies or support for those in a time of need.

            I think the article is best summed up when the author says on page 14, “The impact of disasters and conflicts on lives and livelihoods can be greatly reduced by giving affected communities advance warning” (Coyle, Meier, 2009). Although there is still a long way to go in early warning precautions and technology it is reassuring to see that organizations and governments are taking steps in the right direction. Being prepared before hand and having a plan is half the battle, following that is the ability to communicate and execute that plan with the public within moments with a system that is reliable and can reach as many individuals as possible.