Information Management and Communication in Emergencies and Disasters

Manual for Disaster Response Teams

This book is part of an effort to improve technical capacity in the Region of the Americas and has been developed from lessons learned and practical experience gained in countless disasters. The manual provides recommendations on dealing with the context and conditions where information is needed, guidelines on producing reports and distributing information for different audiences, how to manage communication media, and planning the work of communication during emergency response.

PAHO/WHO Regional Emergency Response Team

Field Manual

This manual, packaged in a folder, describes deployment of the Disaster Response Team, its objectives, and responsibilities at different stages of an emergency. It explains the process of mobilizing resources and provides practical information for work in the field.

Be a Better Donor

Practical Recommendations for Humanitarian Aid

When disaster strikes, the arrival or large quantities of donations presents enormous organizational and managerial challenges for authorities and humanitarian actors. Saber Donar is the Spanish name for an interagency initiative on how to be a good humanitarian donor. A short booklet, published under this initiative, can guide public information campaigns.

Disasters: Preparedness and Mitigation in the Americas

Issue 110 - October 2008

This edition's editorial focuses on climate change and disaster programs in the health sector, as changes in climate have had a direct impact on recent disasters. This edition is the first with a new 12-page format, which includes an interview section--PAHO's Director is the first subject--a section on safe hospitals and one on perspectives.

Good Information Is the Most Elusive Commodity in Large Disasters

Medical treatment and public health interventions are generally based on evidence. Methods and procedures are critically reviewed, often with control groups; side effects or errors are tracked and corrected; finally, original results are published with peer review to ensure scientific quality.