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