Various type of communication challenges in emergency response that has to be addressed for the development and operation of an effective disaster communication system, are discussed. These communication challenges can technological, sociological, or organizational, which can make inter-agency and inter-personnel communication difficult in response situations. Rapid deployment of communication system for first responders and disaster management workers present a major technical challenge that has to be addressed immediately. Dual-use technology can enable both normal and emergency operational modes, and these devices would work in a network-controlled fashion during crises. The software agent within the communication equipment takes control so that the users can get information updates and limited, controlled access to network bandwidth in an emergency. An understanding of human activity and communication behavior models should also be considered into communication system design.
