Katrina Highlights importance of Communication

Mother Nature has reminded us this past week that communication is a vital survival skill for the human race. The loss of technical support systems to provide communication avenues has been a great hinderance in marshalling aid to those stranded by Hurricane Katrina. How in the world did people coordinate their activities in the Roman Empire without cell phones? The need for disaster planning for communication channels is one lesson we can take from this disaster. It is also interesting how the lack of communication and miscommunication between key people and agencies has undermined a coordinated relief effort. As mediators, we realize that communication is hard work that takes a lot of foresight and forethought. Initial efforts by administration officials to stonewall media inquiries quickly gave way under public displeasure. Several television reporters on the scene in New Orleans questioned why people weren't receiving any directions. Suggestions were made to post signs, fly overhead with a bullhorn or drop leaflets on the crowds. The need for helpful and specific information was obvious. I was struck by the plea of one man stranded at the New Orleans Convention Center after three days, who was not comforted by vague assurances. "Don't tell us help is on the way if it's not. It would be better to say nothing than to promise us something that isn't true." Not only do we need to communicate clearly, but our communciation must have meaningful and sincere content to accomplish its purpose. What do you think our government could do to better communicate about emergency management?