The present invention teaches a system for site management, and more specifically, for disaster site management. The system incorporates a network backbone for communication in a rugged, weather-resistant, flexibly-deployable scheme for monitoring and maintaining access to site perimeters, and providing access to personnel arriving at the site, while maintaining accountability and security in all operational procedures of the system. The system includes smart cards which contain personnel credentials, including biometric indicators. Real-time enrollment and authorization of personnel can be performed on-site, both on-line and off-line. The system can also employ virtual fences, CCTV with motion detection, central alarm management, external network interoperability, and satellite network systems for broader system coverage.