2.1 Telecommunications and staff safety and security

Telecommunications systems support many aspects of emergency operations, but the most critical function is to support the safety of staff. Effective telecoms allow staff members to be in contact with their base to help ensure their safety at all times. Appropriate management of staff safety and security requires CARE offices to be able to monitor the movement and locations of staff in the field at all times. In crisis situations, circumstances often change by the minute and it is important to be able to notify staff members to avoid dangerous areas or to return to the office when, for example, levels of violence are increasing near the areas where staff may be working or travelling. If a security incident does occur, staff must be able to immediately call for urgent help.

A working draft of the ‘CARE minimum security telecommunications support (MISTS)‘ is shown in pages 19-21 of the CARE Norway guidelines, Concept, standards and procedures for CARE International emergency telecommunications. A full copy of the guidelines and procedures is in Annex 20.3 Draft telecommunications minimum standards. Also, section 3.2 of the CARE International safety and security handbook covers communications. Pages 21-25 cover safety and security procedures, and are attached as Annex 20.4 CARE International safety and security handbook