Emergency Telecommunications
Annotated Bibliography
This annotated bibliography on subjects relating to emergency telecommunications is maintained and continuously updated by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), Disaster Relief Branch, Geneva, under its Project DPR 121 (29-4), Emergency Telecommunications with and in the Field. Copies of all books and articles herein are on file at OCHA Geneva. Please contact wget-secretariat@un.org for more information.
If you are aware of any useful documents on the subject of Emergency Telecommunications that do not appear on this list, please inform us by sending an e-mail to wget-secretariat@un.org .
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Alphabetical by Author:
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Abbass Ei, Jawad, A True Life Saver: A Look at the Role of Telecommunications in Disaster-relief Areas (Jordan, 1997)
Newspaper article highlighting the importance of emergency telecommunication (2 HTML p.). [Bib. 145]
Ad hoc Committee on Telemedicine (Ed.), Report on the Working Conference on Telemedicine Policy for the NII (United States Senate / House of Representatives Ad Hoc Committee on Telemedicine) (Arlington VA, 1995)
Report on the conference, covering policy and regulatory aspects of the use of telemedicine (18 p.). [Bib. 96]
Almgren, Ola, Report on the Operational Coordination of Humanitarian Assistance in Rwanda (DHA manuscript) (Geneva, 1994)
Analysis of the problems encountered during the most intensive phase of operational co-ordination and the mission of the Swedish support team (9 p.).
[Bib. 61]American Radio Relay League (ARRL) (Ed.), WTDC-94 Recognizes Value of Amateur Radio (in: QST, June 1994) (Newington CT, 1994)
Describes the role of the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) at the WTDC in Buenos Aires and the adoption of Resolution No.7 (1 p.).
[Bib. 23]Andersen, Verner, and Hansen, Vivi N. (Ed.), Proceedings of the International Emergency Management Society Conference 1997 (Copenhagen, 1997)
Various papers on both technological and regulatory aspects of emergency management, including communications systems during disasters (421 p.).
[Bib. Z-66]Anderson, Peter S., Creating virtual emergency operations centres: The integration of fixed and mobile emergency management information systems (in: Abstracts for the Pan Pacific Hazard '96 Conference and Trade Show, Vancouver, 1996)
Summery of a text about work underway at Simon Fraser University's Telematic Lab to establish an experimental virtual emergency operation centre. The whole text could probably be found on a CD-ROM attached to the book (1 page).
[Bib. Z-86]Annenberg Washington Program in Communication Policy Studies of Northwestern University (Ed.), Communication when it is most needed (Washington, 1989)
The book contains a report of the International Disaster Communication Project. It indicates how new technology could help in sudden disasters. The different chapters describe the role of telecommunication in disaster mitigation partly in an abstract way and give some examples of its practical use.
[Bib. Z-78]Anonymous, International Regulatory Accommodation of Non-Geostationary Satellite Systems (1995)
A summary of the evolution of satellite communication and related regulatory aspects in particular concerning WRC-95 (7 p.).
[Bib. 76]Anselmo, L., Laneve, G., Ulivieri, C., Design of a Constellation of Small Satellites in Low Orbit for the Detection and Monitoring of Natural Disasters (Paper presented at the 45th Congress of the International Astronautical Federation, IAF-94-A.6.056) (Jerusalem, 1994)
Defines the requirements for small satellites in low orbits for non-continuous temporal hazards and disaster monitoring and related communication links, and concludes that such systems are feasible and complementary to high orbit and geo-stationary systems (9 p.).
[Bib. 34]Atkins, Thomas B. J., Amateur Radio: A National and International Resource (Emergency Communications) (in: Speakers Papers, pp. 79-81, Strategies Summit, Telecom 96) (Geneva, 1996)
Briefly discusses the role of advantages and performance of amateur radio as means for emergency telecommunications (3 p.).
[Bib. 171]Australian Counter Disaster College (Ed.), Report on the Proceedings of a Study on Counter-Disaster Communications (Mount Macedon, Australia, 1984)
Describes the local / regional / national telecommunications networks and their roles in case of disasters and makes suggestions for improvements (271 p.).
[Bib. Z-81]B
Bell, J. C., Mobile Satellite Communications Brought Down to Earth (Inmarsat, London, probably after 1991)
Provides quite a detailed description of Inmarsat-C system and services, together with its applications, including emergency telecommunications (15 p.).
[Bib. 122]Bennett, Jon, NGO Coordination at Field Level, A Handbook (ICVA, Oxford, UK, 1994)
Appendix II, Suggested Draft Protocol Agreement between NGOs and the Host Government, requests the host government to "recognize the special status of the Agency as a non-profit humanitarian organisation by [...] 2.2 (j) assisting in the authorization and establishment of appropriate telecommunications for the Agency, including telephones, faxes and radio networks where necessary." (53 p.)
[Bib. 7, excerpt]Berman, Honey, LEOs and MEOs (in: Via Satellite, the leader in global satellite coverage, March 1998,)
In this newspaper article the author looks at the latest (1998) developments taking place at some of the world's most prominent LEO and MEO programs for both fixed and mobile application.
[Bib. 187]Bonanzinga, Patricia, Europe Facing Emerging Markets, a Case Study: The Mobile Satellite Services (Paper presented at the 45th Congress of the International Astronautical Federation, IAF-94-M.3.286) (Jerusalem, 1994)
Describes the evolution of the actual regulatory policy for Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) in Europe, in the context of the world-wide character of this type of communications (11 p.).
[Bib. 32]Borba, Gary, and Botterell, Art, The Internet and Emergency Management: Two Articles from the Net (in: The Australian Journal of Emergency Management, Vol. 10, No. 4, pp. 42-43, Mount Macedon, Australia, Summer 1995/96)
In The Internet and Disaster Response, Borba outlines some of the advantages, the problems, and the possible solutions of using the Internet for emergency traffic. In Network Technology in the Practice of Emergency Management, Botterell explains the importance of constant reorganization of organizations (called Ameta-organizations) in the age of network technology, especially for quick responses in emergency management (3 p.).
[Bib. 103]Boullé, Phillipe, Report on the Madrid Humanitarian Summit Introduction (DHA Memorandum regarding the Humanitarian Leaders Summit in Madrid, 1995)
Lessons on media coverage of summit may be helpful in organizing future meetings. Also appended is an anonymous EC news article on the summit (3 p. + 2 p. article) - see also Bib. 131, Doc. 97.
[Bib. 130]Braham, Mike, Endeavouring To Prepare Life and Property: A Canadian Approach to Integrated and Comprehensive Emergency Management (in: The Australian Journal of Emergency Management, Vol. 11, No. 2, pp. 14-26, Mount Macedon, Australia, Winter 1995)
Mentions emergency telecommunications in the context of joint federal and state planning and response to emergencies in Canada (13 p.).
[Bib. 161]Brooks, Lea, Emergency Operations Center Nears Completion, in: California County, May/June 1994 (Los Angeles, 1994)
Article describing the new Emergency Operations Center of Los Angeles County, interview with the Project Manager, Lt. Steve Gattis (3 p.).
[Bib. 53]Burkitt, Mike, and Martyn Warwick, Live by Satellite (in: Communications International, December 1997, pp. 61-66)
Article discusses Inmarsat-3 and Mini-M terminals, including coverage, power, terminal velocity, WorldPhone and Capsat (6 p.).
[Bib. 183]Burkle, Frederick M., Complex, Humanitarian Emergencies (in: Prehospital and Disaster Medicine, Vol. 10, No. 1 pp. 37 - 56)
Chapter 3 of this article (Measures of Effectiveness) deals with inter alia the use of telecommunication for humanitarian assistance. It especially talks about MEOs which combine security measures utilized by the military with humanitarian indicators recognized by relief organizations . (20 pages)
[Bib. 198]Burkle, Frederick M., Strategic Disaster Preparedness and Response: Implications for Military Medizine under Joint Command (in:Military Medizine, Vol. 161, pp. 1-6, 1996)
This article describes and broadens the understanding of the evolving concepts of strategic disaster management and the role of Joint Military Commands in providing disaster relief. Examples of strategic humanitarian relief operations are discussed.
[Bib. 199]Caribbean Disaster Emergency Response Agency (CDERA), Activity Report: Regional Communications Exercise "Region RAP '94" (Barbados, 1994)
Caribbean Disaster Emergency Response Agency (CDERA) (Ed.), Exercise RAP'94: Recommendations for Improved Regional Emergency Telecommunications (in: Caribbean Disaster News, Issue No.6, December 1994)
Brief description and evaluation of the exercise and recommendations for further action regarding emergency telecommunications in the Caribbean region (3 p.).
[Bib.63]CARICOM, Pan-Caribbean Disaster Preparedness and Prevention Project (Ed.), Regional Disaster and Emergency Communication Network, Radio Operator's Manual, Procedural Manual (St.Johns, Antigua, 1984)
Describes procedures for regional emergency telecommunications between Caribbean states (ca. 90 p.).
[Bib. Z-80]Casier, Peter, [World Food Programme (WFP) Great Lakes Regional E-MAil Network] (Paper presented at the Third Inter-agency Telecommunications Advisory Group Meeting, Paris, 1997)
Various diagrams depicting the WFP Great Lakes Regional E-Mail Network (6 p.).
[Bib. 135]Cate, Fred H. (Ed.), Harnessing the Power of Communications to Avert Disasters and Save Lives, International Disaster Communications, The Annenberg Washington Program, Communications Policy Studies, Northwestern University (Washington DC, 1994)
Articles on emergency telecommunications and information, including report on the Roundtable on the Media, Scientific Information and Disasters at the IDNDR Yokohama Conference, authors: Webster D., Vessey R., Aponte J., Wenham, B., Rattien S. (62 p.).
[Bib. Z-1]Cate, Fred, Communications and Disaster Mitigation, information paper for the Scientific and Technical Committee of the International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction (Washington DC, 1995)
Cate, Fred H., Communications and Disaster Management, Humanitarian Crises, Policy Making and the Media: Strengthening Interaction in the Electronic Age (Cambridge MA, 1994)
Comprehensive analysis of the problems encountered in the use of modern communications technologies in disaster management, including the regulatory aspects of telecommunications as well as the role of the media (29 p.).
[Bib. 58]Cate, Fred H., Media, Disaster Relief and Images of the Developing World (Washington, 1994)
Summary of the discussions of a high-level round table of the Annenberg Washington Programme on Communications Policy Studies, Northwestern University. Relevant operational telecommunications, as they serve as channels for inputs to the international media (6 p.).
[Bib. 5]Comments on the respective regulations in the geneva Conventions and related Protocols, concludes that "identification is no longer a technical problem but an issue that largely depends on the will of the parties concerned to recognize the right of protected transports . . ." (13 p.).
[Bib. 15]Céant, Jean Arry, Emergency Telecommunications (in: Speakers Papers, p. 83, Strategies Summit, Telecom 96) (Geneva, 1996)
Emphasizes the importance of global cooperation in emergency telecommunications (1 p.).
[Bib. 172]Chamoux, J.-P. & Stern, P.-A. (Ed.),Restructurer les Télécommunications (Paris, 1993)
Part three, "Politiques et Reglementations" analyses regulatory structures and procedures in North America and France and part five, "Etudes de Cas Africains" analyses telecommunications development in 14 African countries (399 p.).
[Bib. Z-2]Clark, Andrew, Cable & Wireless Emergency Response Unit (in: Worldaid '97 directory, pp. 81-82, Geneva 1997)
In this article the author points out the importance of the use of communication in disaster relief scenarios and gives indications of which resources could be useful in certain situations (2 pages).
[Bib. Z-74]Coile, Russell C., The Role of Amateur Radio in Providing Emergency Electronic Communication for Disaster Management (Pacific Grove, CA, 1996)
Introducing various amateur radio services around the globe and their potential roles in emergency telecommunications (5 p.).
[Bib. 139]Comfort, Louise K., Integrating Information Technology into International Disaster Policy and Practice, Working Paper 92-3 of the Institute of Governmental Studies, University Pittsburgh (Pittsburgh, 1991)
A preliminary model of organizational problem solving, focusing on the global problems of seismic risks, based on information technology to reduce uncertainty by increasing the timeliness and accuracy of information to disaster managers (21 p. + bibliography).
[Bib. 46]Comfort, Louise K., Designing an Interactive, Intelligent, Spatial Information System for International Disaster Assistance (Working Paper 91-1 of the Institute of Governmental Studies, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, 1991)
Analysing the problem of efficiency in international disaster assistance and proposing a design for an Interactive, Intelligent, Spacial Information System (IISIS) on an interactive field status board data base, graphic mapping capability and a capacity for logical inference from field information to relevant knowledge bases (18 p.).
[Bib. 47]Commission of the European Communities, Green Paper on the Development of the Common Market For Telecommunications Services and Equipment (COM(87)290 final) (Brussels, 1987)
Analysis of the effects of the European common market on telecommunications matters, covering commercial/industrial as well as institutional and regulatory issues (210 p.).
[Bib. Z-3]Commission of the European Communities, Green Paper on the Liberalization of Telecommunications Infrastructure and Cable Television Networks, Part II (COM(94) 682 final) (Brussels, 1994)
Analyzes the current situation in the European communications market, defines societal and cultural issues and the need for liberalization, lists issues for further consultation regarding the development of the regulatory framework to meet the challenges of convergence. Does not specifically consider Emergency Telecommunications, but gives an overview of the existing regulatory framework in the EU countries and the envisaged developments (141 p.).
[Bib. Z-41]Commitee on Disaster and Mass Media (Ed.), Disaster and Mass Media, Washington 1980
The book contains a collection of proceedings of the Commitee on Disaster and the Mass Media Workshop in Feb. 1979. (participants: Commitee on Disasters and Mass Media, Commission on Socio-Technical Systems, National Research Council)
[Bib. Z-72]Communications International (Ed.), U.N. Targets Telecoms for Emergencies (in: Telecom 95 daily, p.4, 10 October 1995, p. 4)
Statement on the presence of Emergency Telecommunications at Telecom 95, Geneva, September 1995 (1 p.).
[Bib. 94]COMSAT Mobile Communications, Inmarsat-A User's Guide (Clarksburg, MD, 1995)
The introduction gives an overview over the functioning of the Inmarsat Standard A system and the following chapters describe typical services provided, specifically by COMSAT but applicable to most service providers' systems (92 p.).
[Bib. Z-46]
Corbett, J. R. G., Where There Is No Telephone (Didcot, Oxon, England, Revised Version 1997)
A handbook on shortwave radio communication for missions and aid agencies in developing countries describes how to plan, select, install and operate a radio telephone network and deals with the special considerations for reliability. Addressed to both technical and non-technical personnel, the book also includes an excellent overview of possible solutions and available tools on the standards of 1988 (118 p.).
[Bib. Z-45] and [Bib. Z-50]
Cornell, James, The Great International Disaster Book (New York, 1992)
Describes various disasters around the globe, both natural and man-made (359 p.).
[Bib. Z-58]COSPAS-SARSAT Secretariat, COSPAS-SARSAT Glossary (Vol. 1, English / French / Russian) (C/S G.004) (London, 1991)
English / French / Russian Glossary of terms used in the context of satellite telecommunications, in particular referring to the COSPAS-SARSAT system but generally applicable (60 p.).
[Bib. 44]Coyler, Robert D. (The Coyler Freeman Group Architects), The Design of Emergency Operations Centers (in: Addendum to the Abstracts for the Pan Pacific Hazards '96 Conference and Trade Show, pp. 2-3, Vancouver, 1996)
Emphasizes that the new model for emergency operations centers focuses around the gathering of information through high-tech communications and display systems. A[T]he brain and nervous system is the electronic data communications and display systems. Among the technical issues presented is the extensive use of fiber-optic data and communications systems (2 p.) - see also Bib. 111, 112, 113, 114, 115.
[Bib. 110]D
DARC, Deutscher Amateur-Radio-Club, Notfunk in Amateurfunkdienst (Baunatal, Germany, date unknown)
Pamphlet reminding members of their duties to help, through amateur radio communication, during disaster. Also included is the German text of Resolution 640 of WARC 1979 (3 p.).
[Bib. 180]DeSoto, Clinton B., 200 Metres and Down, the Story of Amateur Radio (West Hartford CT, 1936, 1981)
Description of the regulatory process regarding Amateur Radio 1900 - 1935, Chapter 20 giving a summary of Emergencies in which this service was relevant (184 p.).
[Bib. Z-17-HZ]DHA, United Nations Department of Humanitarian Affairs, DHA/DPKO Cooperation in UN Humanitarian and Peace-keeping Operations (Information Paper, New York, 1994)
Describes the background and framework of DHA/DPKO cooperation in both planning and operational phases (6 p. + 5 p. annexes).
[Bib. 128]DHA, United Nations Department of Humanitarian Affairs, Facilitation Measures in Customs Conventions Which Can Expedite Delivery of International Emergency Humanitarian Assistance (Information paper, Geneva, 1994)
Quotes relevant parts of Kyoto Convention, A.T.A. Convention, Istanbul Convention and contains list of signatories of above and sample forms (13 p.).
[Bib. Z-14]DHA, United Nations Department of Humanitarian Affairs, Humanitarian Early Warning System -HEWS- (New York, 1994)
Project description and Implementation plan for the Humanitarian Early Warning System (14 p.).
[Bib. 64]DHA, United Nations Department of Humanitarian Affairs, Information Management System Development at DHA (Status report June 1994 and Action Plan July - December 1994, Geneva, 1994)
Overview of the existing and planned information management systems at DHA and related requirements, some parts are out-dated due to new developments (10 p.).
[Bib. 65]DHA, United Nations Department of Humanitarian Affairs, Internationally Agreed Glossary of Basic Terms Related to Disaster Management (Geneva, 1992)
English - French - Spanish Glossary, including agreed definition of terms such as Disaster, Mitigation, Remote Sensing, Relief, Mobile Satellite Communication System (Satcom) etc. (83 p.).
[Bib Z-32]DHA, United Nations Department of Humanitarian Affairs (Ed.), Rwanda, Lessons Learned, a Report on the Coordination of Humanitarian Activities (Prepared by Antonio Donini and Norah Niland) (New York, 1994)
An critical analysis of the response of the UN to the humanitarian crisis in Rwanda, including an evaluation of the information flow and suggestions for better co-ordination as well as practical organization of communications flow. (48 p.).
[Bib. 98]DHA, United Nations Department of Humanitarian Affairs, INSARAG, Advisory Group for International Cooperation in Disaster Relief, Report of the Second Meeting (1993) of the Regional Group for Asia and the Pacific (Geneva, 1994)
The meeting stated under agenda issue 1, that "Communication and air transport were identified as critical areas immediately after the disaster" and requested under agenda issue 4 the improvement of Networking, including inter alia the use of the world wide amateur radio network(35 p.).
[Bib. Z-11]DHA, United Nations Department of Humanitarian Affairs, Guidelines on the Use of Military and Civil Defense Assets in Disaster Relief (Geneva, 1994)
Under "Tasks of States", paragraph 58 (g), the receiving state should take all appropriate steps to facilitate foreign MCDA in their execution of IDRA, inter alia by "authorization of transport and communication usage", footnote 5 refers to WTDC Resolution No.7 (67 p.).
[Bib. Z-13]DHA, United Nations Department of Humanitarian Affairs, Workshop on Use of Military and Civil Defense Assets in Disaster Relief, Brussels 1992, DHA/93/57 (Geneva, 1993)
Contains list of UN GA resolutions referring to Humanitarian Emergency Assistance, Terms and Definitions; Working group 5 stated the need for the "granting of communications rights" by the affected country (80 p.).
[Bib. Z-12]DHA, United Nations Department of Humanitarian Affairs, Cyclone "Hollanda" and Cyclone "Ivy" (Mauritius and Rodrigues Island) (Geneva, 1994)
Includes a case study on the effect of cyclone "Hollanda" on the telecommunications infrastructure of Mauritius and recommendations for improvements regarding preparedness (11 p. + annexes).
[Bib. Z-4]DHA, United Nations Department of Humanitarian Affairs, First Regional Workshop on Emergency Telecommunications for the Central American and Caribbean Region (Geneva, 1997)
Proceedings of the workshop (19 p. + annexes).
[Bib. Z-63]DHA, United Nations Department of Humanitarian Rights, ReliefWeb, 1997 Geneva,
The file contains some information about the project of ReliefWeb (i.e. purpose, background, status of the project, requirement, donor interest, outstanding resources requirement, mandate and objectives, project description, information flow, examples of ReliefWeb online, statistics)
[Bib. Z-85]DHA, United Nations Department of Humanitarian Affairs, The Great Hanshin-Awaji (Kobe) Earthquake in Japan, On-Site Relief and International Response (Geneva, 1995)
Analysis of the response to the earthquake and of problems encountered, including those regarding the telecommunications infrastructure (111 p.).
[Bib. Z-51]DHA, United Nations Department of Humanitarian Affairs, The Vital Role of Emergency Telecommunications in Disaster Relief and Mitigation, DHA "Issues in Focus" series, No. 2 (Geneva, 1995)
Re-print of DHA News No. 11-12, 1994 , including the emergency telecommunications related articles and the texts of the Tampere Declaration and ITU Resolutions WTDC-94 No.7 and PP-94 No.36 (16 p.).
[Bib.91]DHA News (Ed.), Why ReliefWeb? (in: DHA News No. 17, Nov./Dec. 1995, p. 27 - 29, 3 pages, Geneva, 1995)
The newspaper article points out some arguments in favor of the development of ReliefWeb.
[Bib. 185]DHA News (Ed.), The Role of Amateur Radio in Disaster Relief (Reprinted in Caribbean Disaster News, p. 22, Saint Michael, Barbados, September 1995)
Brief description of amateur radio operation in DHA (1 p.).
[Bib. 163]DHA-RCB, United Nations Department of Humanitarian Affairs - Relief Co-ordination Branch, DHA Emergency Telecommunications at and with the Field - Overview and Diagrams and Concept and Equipment (Geneva 1993)
Provides summary table of systems, inventory of equipment and the overall concept chart of the telecommunications aspect of DHA works, and examples of responses to sudden-onset disaster and complex emergency (10 p.) - see also Bib. 52.
[Bib. 118]Diot, Michel, Telecommunications for "Terre des Hommes" (Estavayer-le-Lac, Switzerland, 1996)
Consultant's proposal for small NGO field communications (in French, 17 p.).
[Bib. 153]Dubi, Jean, Guide pour la Maîtrise des Catastrophes, pour l'Organisation Internationale de Protection Civile et avec l'appui du Corps Suisse d'aide en cas de catastrophe, (extracts only) (Berne, 1995)
Analysis of disaster response, in particular within the European framework, with an annex of relevant legal instruments (incl. Council of Europe resolution 7148/91 of 8 July 1991)
(79 p.+annex.) [Bib. 95]Dumont, Patrick, Low Earth Orbit Mobile Communication Satellite Systems: A Two-Year History since WARC-92, Paper presented at the 45th Congress of the International Astronautical Federation, IAF-94-M-4-293, (Jerusalem, 1994)
Describes the regulatory environment, commercial implications and technical developments regarding the use of LEO satellites for communication systems, covering "big LEO" voice links as well as "little LEO" data links (11 p.).
[Bib. 30]