Disaster Preparation and Apps Anton Smith Mollie Williams Kyle Ferncez

Preparation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!”

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

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