Summary of a Workshop on Information Technology Research for Crisis Management (1999) / Chapter Skim
Currently Skimming:
Appendix B: Brief Case Studies of Crises
Appendix B: Brief Case Studies of Crises
Pages 71-81
The Chapter Skim interface presents what we've algorithmically identified as the most significant single chunk of text within every page in the chapter.
Select key terms on the right to highlight them within pages of the chapter.
From page 71... ...
Among the principal problems in responding to hurricanes are communicating warnings, managing evacuations, and coordinating local response and recovery operations. Warnings must be more precise and detailed to help people in particularly vulnerable locations prepare for the effects of extreme winds 71
|
From page 72... ...
Optimized evacuation routes would help reduce gridlock. Supplies and shelters must be identified and targeted for specific evacuee groups or individuals.
|
From page 73... ...
Comprehensive emergency preparedness and response are essential components of reducing losses and include coordination between city agencies and increased recognition of the importance of emergency planning in everyday city business. Important factors in reducing deaths from flash floods include providing adequate warnings and helping people respond appropriately to these threats.
|
From page 74... ...
The recent deployment of flood sensor networks that make real-time data available has wide-reaching applications for not only flash flood warning but also other applications such as water resource planning and recreation.] Principal challenges in responding to these disasters include the lack of sufficiently accurate floodplain maps, which decreases the accuracy of impact prediction as well as the ability to disseminate to affected populations warning information that clearly conveys the nature and timing of the threat along with the appropriate responses.
|
From page 75... ...
Information technology capabilities including support for advance warnings; modeling for evacuations; real-time GPS; field database entry and a tracking system to integrate field, laboratory, and analysis units; and advanced graphics for decision support can help to improve the response to nuclear emergencies. FIRES Large-scale fires capable of inflicting significant loss of life, property, and environmental resources are a serious disaster force worldwide.
|
From page 76... ...
Information about fire perimeters and intensities, derived in part from remote sensing and delivered to field personnel, is necessary to optimize use of resources and increase safety. Wearable computers could play a significant role in fire suppression activities by assisting firefighters with such information-intensive tasks as hazardous material identification and by delivering information about building layouts or other environmental information to firefighters in the field.
|
From page 77... ...
Analysis of the information, such as for probable sheltering sites and medical and rescue resources required to meet the disaster, must be completed accurately and quickly and presented to critical decision makers in an easily understood format. Aftershocks are almost certain to occur but may be erratic in their timing.
|
From page 78... ...
The federal approach to dealing with critical infrastructure issues, especially the looming year 2000 (Y2K) problem, was described by Bruce McConnell, then chief of the information policy and technology branch of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs at the Office of Management and Budget.
|
From page 79... ...
To help build this map, they relied on a variety of sources, including interviews with the building maintenance manager. In recognition of the utility of GISs in Oklahoma City, especially the value of having people dedicated to sorting out information, the urban search and rescue organization permanently added two GIS positions to the incident support team.
|
From page 80... ...
The ability to easily modify existing spatial data is one of the strengths of using digital data rather than, for example, printed maps. · The level of preparedness and the element of surprise in a disaster such as the bombing in Oklahoma City affect what will be required in responding to an emergency.
|
From page 81... ...
Preidentified data sources, reliable data paths, and reliable remote sensing technologies, crossedchecked with other sources for validation, are what contribute to developing data that will be believed. In contrast, information gleaned from other sources, such as the results of Web searches of various public sites, is not likely to be held in high esteem.
|
Key Terms
This material may be derived from roughly machine-read images, and so is provided only to facilitate research.
More
information on Chapter Skim is available.