Disaster Preparation and Apps

1. Disaster Preparation and Apps Anton Smith Mollie Williams Kyle Ferncez

2. Preparation

3. Preparation Challenges • Improved over the past decade with the ASPR (Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response), but there is still much to do • Lack of research on human needs after disaster • This research would show how people cope with stress in the aftermath, and what they need to restore their lives • Social workers need to conduct further research to enable the government to better prepare

4. Financial Problems • While the federal government will survive, local governments may run into financial difficulties when dealing with disasters • The may become liable for uninsurable events • They have to pay for police protection and local clean-up crews • Large disasters can cripple a local government and impact the wealth of the community

5. Information and Citizens • Even if procedures are designed for a disaster, they only work if the people being affected know about them • Citizens need to be educated before a crisis as to what they need to do and what will be done for them • They need to be aware that unexpected circumstances may arise and they need to be ready • They also need to listen and follow orders when evacuations are ordered

6. Past Problems • Hurricane Katrina was an example of what happens when things go wrong • Although the government had been preparing for a disaster of that size, they did not act fast enough • While evacuation had been suggested and encouraged, by the time it was ordered as part of a state of emergency, it was too late

7. Non-Profit Groups • The biggest problem these groups face is not receiving clear information concerning what resources need to become available • The first 72 hours after a disaster strikes is the most chaotic among relief organizations • There needs to be a better method of communication between government and non-profit groups • This way, organizations will know their specific role in providing relief to specific areas

8. Society • All of society can also prepare themselves individually for a natural disaster • Families or close friends can make plans in case of separation such as a location to meet at • They can also plan on how they will communicate • Not all people have easy access to cell phones or the internet, so there needs to be an alternative way of communication for these citizens

9. Disaster Mobile Applications App stores have a variety of applications to meet various needs

10. FEMA app • Official app of the government department • Offers pertinent information to disasters • Preparedness • During a disaster • Finding aid • Provides checklist for emergency kit

11. FEMA app • Provides much contact information • By phone • By text • By social media • By website • Can even apply for assistance online • App is poorly designed/ optimized, does not run well

12. PDC Disaster Alert • Provides up to date alerts on worldwide natural disasters • “Pushes” updates to your phone, gives notifications • Amount of information is overwhelming

13. PDC Disaster Alert • Lists natural disasters • Always links to sources for more information

14. Red Cross • The American Red Cross has 5 apps on the Google Store • Tornado • Hurricane • Wildfire • Earthquake • First Aid • Similar to FEMA, lots of information • Tests your knowledge of the disaster; get “achievements!”

15. Red Cross • Has several tools to aid in disasters: • GPS & Map of shelters • Emergency tools, like a flashlight and alarm • “I’m Safe”

16. Our app proposal: A variation of the “I’m Safe” tool Image based More options “I’m Safe” and “I’m Not Safe” Provide information about the disaster Provide location