Information for disaster management: back to basics
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Date
2005
Authors
Coetzee, Mercia
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Department of Communication Science, University of the Free State
Abstract
To be prepared to manage a disaster implies to a great extent the availability of the
necessary information. The managing of information and information technology is an
important component of a disaster management plan. Information management
therefore entails the creation of an information infrastructure with the data and
information required for dealing with various phases of different kinds of disasters
successfully. The growth in online information, and the ease with which everyone can
add information to the WWW. creates the false idea that information will always be
available and easily accessible. The correct information will, however, only be
available if a disaster is anticipated, and the information that may be needed is
collected and processed beforehand, so that it is available at the time it may be needed.
The focus of this article is to discuss the creation and maintenance of a database with
basic information for disaster management in the context of the various types of
disasters that could occur in southern Africa; and also to explain the processes of
ยท collation, processing and distribution of disaster information. The specific types of
information that should be available in different disaster situations, and for different
areas, will also be explained.
Description
Keywords
Disaster management, Disaster information, Disaster managers, Pevention of disasters
Citation
Coetzee, M. (2005). Information for disaster management: back to basics. Communitas, 10, 171-187.