The Uncertain Trumpet: Disaster Communications and the Law

Planning for the next disaster is not just a task for first responders. A catastrophic disaster can affect a wide range of industries, such as banking, telecommunications, education, and zoning; and lawyers play a critical role in reducing loss and minimizing liability. By drawing from lessons learned during previous disasters, including terrorist attacks, natural disasters, and environmental catastrophes, Randle and Reinhardt explain the steps lawyers should take to help organizations anticipate problems and create plans to minimize damages. This Article illustrates how lawyers can help organizations remain in control by maintaining critical communications through multiple system modalities; using those systems to communicate accurate, real-time information to establish long term trust; and training volunteers and first responders so that they do not cause harm or become victims themselves.

By assisting clients in planning for the unexpected, lawyers can help ensure better outcomes for organizations no matter what the next emergency looks like.