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Communications on Wheels

The Red Cross will respond to disasters with trucks full of technology.

WASHINGTON D.C. - The American Red Cross is now ready to respond to emergencies with the latest in disaster response technology - on wheels.

Two fully loaded trucks that run an assortment of communications technologies essential for disaster responders were deployed during the Hurricane Lili relief operation. The customized trucks are part of the American Red Cross Disaster Services Technology Integration Program (DS TIP). The ultimate goal of DS TIP is to provide a rapidly deployable modern office environment that does not depend on the local infrastructure, which is often damaged by the disaster.

Powered by 8,500 watt generators, the mobile technology vehicles are equipped with phone and radio operation systems, digital satellite TV, for weather coverage, and live video transmission capabilities. Even in situations where commercial power and land-based communications are unavailable, DS TIP is still fully operational.

In addition to the satellite trucks, DS TIP comprises an assortment of wireless local area networks (LANS), high-speed satellites and standard office tools that connect service delivery sites, operational headquarters and the Red Cross Disaster Operations Center located at the national headquarters in Falls Church, Va..

"Once we were activated and sent to Louisiana, our team was able to link up a network of over 70 laptops in about four hours," said Harry Petheram, disaster computer operations officer on the Hurricane Lili operation for the Red Cross. "This allowed us to coordinate more effectively and efficiently within the Red Cross and with our external and partner organizations also responding to the disaster."

Real-time information on disaster victims, volunteers, logistics and financial information will soon be available to disaster workers and management from nearly anywhere in the United States. Chapters will also connect to DS TIP through dedicated frame-relay circuits (or through the Internet) and laptop computers will be used to deliver outreach and damage assessment in the field.