Showing papers on "Disaster recovery published in 2007"

Sustainable Disaster Recovery: Operationalizing An Existing Agenda

Abstract: Disaster recovery represents the least understood aspect of emergency management, from the standpoint of both the research community and practitioners (Berke, Kartez, & Wenger, 1993; Rubin, 1991). When compared to the other widely recognized phases of emergency management, that is, preparedness, response, and mitigation, scholars have yet to address fundamental questions, while practitioners have failed to establish an integrated policy framework or utilize readily available tools to improve disaster recovery outcomes (Berke et al., 1993; May and Williams, 1986; Mileti, 1999). Since the 1990s the concept of sustainability has been adopted by hazards researchers and applied to mitigation (Berke, 1995a; Burby, 1998; Godschalk, et. al., 1999; Mileti, 1999), recovery (Becker, 1994a; Berke, Kartez, & Wenger, 1993; Eadie et al., 2001; Oliver-Smith, 1990; Smith, 2004; United States Department of Energy, 1998), and to a lesser extent preparedness and response (Tierney, Lindell, & Perry, 2001). While recognized as a meaningful paradigm among scholars and a limited number of practitioners, achieving sustainable recovery following disasters is not a widespread phenomenon in the United States, owing in large part to the current recovery model in practice today. It is therefore the intent of this chapter to describe an improved policy implementation framework focused on achieving sustainable recovery. Emphasis is placed on the analysis of the United States model of recovery and the development of specific recommendations to improve the process. Key issues and research questions are identified in order to advance this agenda, including the need to develop a theory of recovery that emphasizes specific factors that facilitate or hinder this approach. Next, a review of the literature highlights the fact that while past research has addressed several recognized dimensions of sustainable recovery, the research has not been linked to a unifying theory that helps to clarify our understanding of how sustainable recovery can be achieved.

Conceptualizing and Measuring Resilience: A Key to Disaster Loss Reduction

Abstract: A multidisciplinary research project has examined ways to improve resilience, which can be measured by the functionality of an infrastructure system after a disaster and also by the time it takes for a system to return to previous levels of performance. In this article two project leaders present the components and dimensions of resilience and the implications for disaster response strategies.

Natural disaster management planning

Abstract: Purpose – The paper aims to discuss the findings of a humanitarian logistics manager field study on response activity concerning the 2004 tsunami disaster in terms of what should have occurred and to present a comprehensive hindsight‐analysis case for a model placing natural disaster response activity clearly within the context of local‐nation‐led, holistic and inclusive natural disaster planningDesign/methodology/approach – The qualitative testing of a conceptual framework of natural‐disaster response requirements through interviews with tsunami‐response logistics managers, the analysis of the findings in the light of tsunami‐hindsight “effective disaster management” themes of recent academic literature and multi‐agency reports and the development of the holistic, inclusive planning modelFindings – That natural disaster response activity needs to be viewed holistically in the context of a disaster management planning continuum that ideally starts well before the response action is required and of which

Improving Disaster Management: The Role of IT in Mitigation, Preparedness, Response, and Recovery

Abstract: Information technology (IT) has the potential to play a critical role in managing natural and human made disasters. Damage to communications infrastructure, along with other communications problems exacerbated the difficulties in carrying out response and recovery efforts following Hurricane Katrina. To assist government planning in this area, the Congress, in the E-government Act of 2002, directed the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to request the NRC to conduct a study on the application of IT to disaster management. This report characterizes disaster management providing a framework for considering the range and nature of information and communication needs; presents a vision of the potential for IT to improve disaster management; provides an analysis of structural, organizational, and other non-technical barriers to the acquisition, adoption, and effective use of IT in disaster; and offers an outline of a research program aimed at strengthening IT-enabled capabilities for disaster management.

Balanced scorecard for natural disaster management projects

Abstract: Purpose – With the recognition of the necessity for effectively and successfully managing natural disaster projects for saving human lives and preventing and minimizing the impacts of disasters on socio‐economic developmental progress, this paper seeks to propose a balanced scorecard (BSC) approach in order to maximize the possibilities of desired outcomes from projects.Design/methodology/approach – The BSC approach, which has been widely accepted and used in business organizations, can be adapted for natural disaster management projects. An application of this BSC approach to disaster management projects is discussed with a real flood disaster management project.Findings – In the BSC approach, performance measures should be established in four areas: donors' perspective; the target beneficiaries' perspective; the internal process perspective; and the learning and innovation perspectives. Measures for four areas in each of the five generic phases of managing natural disasters (i.e. preparedness, early war...

Event-driven, role-based mobility in disaster recovery networks

Abstract: One of the most important tools in understanding the complex characteristics of disaster recovery networks is simulation. While many mobility models exist for simulating ad hoc networks, they do not realistically capture the behavior of objects in disaster scenarios. We propose a high level event- & role-based mobility paradigm in which objects' movement patterns are caused by environmental events. The introduction of roles allows different objects to uniquely and realistically react to events. For instance some roles, such as civilian, may flee from events, whereas other roles, such as police, may be attracted to events. Furthermore, to incorporate reaction from multiple events in a realistic fashion, we propose a low-level gravity-based mobility model in which events apply forces to objects. Simulation results show that our disaster mobility paradigm coupled with our gravitational mobility model creates a network topology that differs from the popular Random Walk mobility model. This new disaster mobility model opens up the door for more realistic simulation of communication and routing protocols for disaster recovery networks.

Partnership approach to disaster management in Bangladesh: a critical policy assessment

Abstract: The geographic location of Bangladesh at the confluence of the three mighty river systems of the world renders her one of the most vulnerable places to natural disasters. Human-induced climate change exacerbates the problem. This study shows that the Government of Bangladesh has already established a multi-layered institutional mechanism for disaster management, with formal recognition of the role of various stakeholders. Historically, NGOs and other informal support mechanisms in the country also have made significant contributions during and after disaster recovery. Despite the presence of some strengths, such as long experience in disaster response and recovery, the people’s resilience, and donor support, the current management strategies suffer from a host of policy and institutional weaknesses. Most prominent is the absence of a functioning partnership among the stakeholders within these formal set-ups. What is lacking is the development and embodiment of a culture of collective decision-making in planning, in resource sharing, and in implementing disaster management policies and programs in an integrated and transparent way. The paper suggests a partnership framework to implement prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery phases of disaster management.

Method and apparatus for communicating with one of plural devices associated with a single telephone number during a disaster and disaster recovery

Abstract: A system for (and a method of) selectively establishing communication with one of plural devices associated with a single telephone number during a disaster or disaster recovery period The method can offer disaster recovery to an enterprise depending upon its size, financial well-being and desired capabilities For example, the enterprise has the option of owning or renting all of the equipment required so that it may perform disaster recovery on its own and with little outside intervention The enterprise may own some or none of the necessary equipment and contract with a service bureau so that the bureau provides recovery equipment when needed The system also provides for roll call, priority preemption and seamless switching services to and from circuit and packet communication devices

Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Planning for IT Professionals

Abstract: Powerful Earthquake Triggers Tsunami in Pacific. Hurricane Isaac Makes Landfall in the Gulf Coast. Wildfires Burn Hundreds of Houses and Businesses in Colorado. Tornado Touches Down in Missouri. These headlines not only have caught the attention of people around the world, they have had a significant effect on IT professionals as well. The new 2nd Edition of Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery for IT Professionals gives you the most up-to-date planning and risk management techniques for business continuity and disaster recovery (BCDR). With distributed networks, increasing demands for confidentiality, integrity and availability of data, and the widespread risks to the security of personal, confidential and sensitive data, no organization can afford to ignore the need for disaster planning. Author Susan Snedaker shares her expertise with you, including the most current options for disaster recovery and communication, BCDR for mobile devices, and the latest infrastructure considerations including cloud, virtualization, clustering, and more. Snedaker also provides you with new case studies in several business areas, along with a review of high availability and information security in healthcare IT. Don't be caught off guard-Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery for IT Professionals, 2nd Edition , is required reading for anyone in the IT field charged with keeping information secure and systems up and running. Complete coverage of the 3 categories of disaster: natural hazards, human-caused hazards, and accidental / technical hazards Extensive disaster planning and readiness checklists for IT infrastructure, enterprise applications, servers and desktops Clear guidance on developing alternate work and computing sites and emergency facilities Actionable advice on emergency readiness and response Up-to-date information on the legal implications of data loss following a security breach or disaster Table of Contents Chapter 1: Business Continuity & Disaster Recovery Overview Chapter 2: Legal and Regulatory Environment Chapter 3: Project Initiation Chapter 4: Risk Assessment Chapter 5: Business Impact Assessment Chapter 6: Risk Mitigation Chapter 7: BC/DR Plan Development Chapter 8: Emergency Response and Recovery Chapter 9: Training, Testing & Auditing Results Chapter 10: BC/DR Plan Maintenance Case Study A: Utilities Case Study B: Healthcare Case Study C: Financial Case Study D: Small/Medium Business Glossary Checklists Resources

Disability and disaster recovery: a tale of two cities?.

Abstract: This paper examines the connections between disability and disaster from a global perspective. Concepts from the research and policy literature are used to distinguish between individual and social models of disability, and between natural hazards and human disasters. These concepts are then employed to investigate data on the response to disabled people's recovery needs in two recent case studies: the Asian tsunami and Hurricane Katrina. The analysis combines primary, secondary and tertiary sources to explore disability issues in the reconstruction of inclusive communities and the lessons that may be learned about disaster preparedness in poor communities. The conclusions suggest that more attention should be paid to social model approaches, particularly in understanding global links with poverty, and that disabled people's organisations should be resourced as agents of disaster recovery and preparedness.

Designing new institutions for implementing integrated disaster risk management: key elements and future directions.

Abstract: The goal of integrated disaster risk management is to promote an overall improvement in the quality of safety and security in a region, city or community at disaster risk. This paper presents the case for a thorough overhaul of the institutional component of integrated disaster risk management. A review of disaster management institutions in the United States indicates significant weaknesses in their ability to contribute effectively to the implementation of integrated disaster risk management. Our analysis and findings identify eight key elements for the design of dynamic new disaster management institutions. Six specific approaches are suggested for incorporating the identified key elements in building new institutions that would have significant potential for enhancing the effective implementation of integrated disaster risk management. We have developed a possible blueprint for effective design and construction of efficient, sustainable and functional disaster management institutions.

Infrastructure Management Information System Framework Requirements for Disasters

Abstract: A three-tiered, enterprise, geographic information system architecture offers a robust, efficient, and secure platform to potentially revolutionize disaster management by enabling support of all of the phases of governmental activity that must occur before, during, and after a disaster. Presently, both publicly and privately initiated, computer-based systems designed for disaster management cannot meet the real-time data access and analysis needs at crucial stages, especially those occurring during an actual disaster. Impediments are reflective of the proprietary, stand alone, and segregated nature of current systems. This paper proposes an integrated, infrastructure management information system as a reliable and effective alternative. Issues related to sharing data, customizing applications, supporting multiple data formats, querying visually, facilitating ubiquitous computing, and upgrading are all addressed. Achieving maximum flexibility and capacity in a disaster management system relies upon recent advances in the following areas: (1) standardized data specifications; (2) middleware services; and (3) Web-enabled, distributed computing. Key resources in designing and implementing such an arrangement are prototyped in a system that was initially designed for addressing disaster management of urban explosions. The critical details of that system are presented herein.

911-NOW: A network on wheels for emergency response and disaster recovery operations

Abstract: Public safety organizations increasingly rely on wireless communication technology to provide effective command, control, and communication during emergencies and disaster response operations. Since emergencies can vary in scale from day-to-day operations to large-scale and widespread catastrophic events, any previously deployed network infrastructure may not be able to handle the traffic load. Worse, the wireless infrastructure may be damaged or destroyed, as occurred during the events of 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina. The 911-network on wheels (911-NOW) solution is a novel portable cellular system based on base station routers (BSRs) that does not require any pre-existing wireless infrastructure and provides capacity and coverage on demand. It is an auto-configurable system with a fully integrated service architecture that can be deployed as a single-cell solution for local communication or be configured to operate as an ad hoc network of cells. This paper describes the 911-NOW vision and discusses some of the differentiating features such as auto-configuration, network management, wireless mesh networking, and interoperability with existing public safety systems. We also highlight some of the research challenges associated with mobile and rapidly deployable wireless networks. In particular we provide an overview of issues centered upon dynamic assignment and management of Internet Protocol (IP) addresses, online and real-time calculation and maintenance of routing information, mobility management, and dynamic configuration and optimization of radio parameters. © 2007 Alcatel-Lucent.

Challenges for Disaster Research: Recommendations for Planning and Implementing Disaster Mental Health Studies

Abstract: Disaster research has evolved from an immature science to one where more complex questions need to be asked. Theoretically sophisticated research to help answer critical questions is needed. Contemporary disaster research is often instigated with a sense of emergency in response to the tragedy of specific events. This article provides an in-depth discussion of several relevant factors to consider when developing research programs in the aftermath of disaster. This is not a review of the entire literature on disaster recovery. The material presented is intended to help influence the types of questions asked, the research approaches taken, and the analytic techniques considered.

The importance of heritage preservation in natural disaster situations

Abstract: Natural disasters impact on the human-created environment. Affected are both the general built environment as well as those few places that a community cherishes as representing their past achievements, aspirations and tribulations ? their cultural heritage sites. Natural disasters are localised events and have the ability to cause extensive loss and destruction to a community's cultural heritage. Cultural heritage management ('historic preservation') aspires to protect such places from environmental decay as well as natural disasters, with technical solutions the modus operandi of choice. Disaster managers have traditionally always regarded the protection of cultural heritage places as very low on their list of priorities. This paper shows the centrality of cultural heritage to the emotional wellbeing of an affected community in the disaster-recovery phase and argues that the protection of key cultural heritage items should be regarded as akin to the treatment of critical infrastructure.

Real Time Communications over 802.11: RT-WMP

Abstract: Ad-hoc networks usually support best-effort traffic and occasionally some kind of quality of service (QoS). However, there are some applications, which generally involve cooperative control, with hard real-time traffic requirements where strict deadlines must be met. To meet deadlines, the communication network has to support the timely delivery of inter-task messages. This is the case, for example, of applications involving cooperative robot teams, such as those used for rescue tasks in hostile environments, emergencies or disaster recovery, where a wired backbone is in-feasible or economically unviable. In this paper, we present RT-WMP, a novel protocol that allows wireless real-time traffic in relatively small mobile ad-hoc networks using the low-cost commercial 802.11 technology. The protocol is based on a token-passing approach and message exchange is priority based. Moreover, support for frequent topology changes is provided through the sharing of a matrix that describes link quality amongst the members of the network.

Organisations in Disaster

Abstract: In the event of a disaster, communities become the targets of specialist organisations and a concentration of activities. The complex unstructured activities and routines of daily life are disrupted and even totally overwhelmed by a single catastrophic event that requires a redirection of priorities, resources and people to deal with all aspects of the disaster impact as rapidly as possible. The whole community must be mobilised to restore functions and meet needs, to return to the normality of the pre-disaster state. This latter purpose is least likely to be achieved, as the destroyed community can seldom rebuild to the same complex, but randomly haphazard state that existed before the disaster. The mobilisation of the whole community to the single purpose of recovery requires a high level of organisation. Response to a disaster demands that there be purposeful organisations ready to provide leadership and action. Emergency management is predicated for the existence of such purposeful organisations. However, while organisations are at the core of emergency management response and recovery, they are by no means simple or singular. Disaster generates a plethora of organisations, which interact with the community rather than simply organising disaster response. The community also organises itself, re-assigning priorities and using existing organisations and networks.

The impact of disasters on small business disaster planning: a case study

Abstract: A major flood in 1997 forced the evacuation of Grand Forks, North Dakota and caused damage of USD 1 billion. Despite this recent disaster there is only marginal evidence of an increase in disaster recovery planning by businesses that experienced the flood. This finding is consistent with the results of other business-related disaster research. Statistical tests of survey results from 2003 indicate that there is a significantly higher rate of disaster recovery planning in businesses started since the 1997 flood than in businesses started before the flood and still in business. Such an outcome indicates a need for public policy actions emphasizing the importance of disaster planning. Improved disaster planning is an aid to business recovery and the results demonstrate the need for more widespread efforts to improve disaster recovery planning on the part of smaller businesses, even in areas that have recently experienced disasters.

Communications Support for Disaster Recovery Operations using Hybrid Mobile Ad-Hoc Networks

Abstract: During times of calamity, such as an earthquake or tsunami, rescue and recovery efforts are usually hampered by communications failure as the incumbent communications infrastructure has most likely been damaged or destroyed during the disaster. An ad-hoc communications infrastructure, with support for multimedia traffic such as Voice over IP and video- streaming, must be quickly put in place to support the command, control and communication needs of the rescue and recovery operations. Such applications require relatively fast and robust communications links, and broadband wireless technologies appear to be a viable solution. This paper examines two hierarchical network solutions which allow the delivery of such mission-critical multimedia data between rescue teams and their headquarters over extremely long distances using a combination of wireless network technologies (namely, WiFi, WiMax and GEO Satellite) and multimedia software applications (in particular, Voice-over-IP) to meet the requirements of disaster rescue communication scenarios. The proposed system has been validated experimentally in the field as well as using simulations to demonstrate the scalability of the design.

Permanently Failing Organizations? Small Business Recovery After September 11, 2001:

Abstract: Small businesses in Lower Manhattan after September 11, 2001, paint a telling portrait of vulnerability after disasters. This qualitative analysis of recovery for small retail and service firms with 50 or fewer employees is based on ethnographic fieldwork, interviews, and documentary research from September 2001 through 2005. A postdisaster emphasis on place-based assistance to firms conflicted with macro-level redevelopment plans for Lower Manhattan. Small business recovery was impeded as aid programs responded to a new sense of urgency, attachment to place, and prestorm conceptions of the neighborhood at the expense of addressing community-wide economic changes accelerated by the disaster. Ingredients for effective programmatic response to the shifting environment and recovery needs of small businesses include (a) long-range planning assistance and relocation options, (b) intelligence on all redevelopment initiatives that affect firms' recovery, and (c) a blend of grants and loans that acknowledges real...

Methods, systems, and computer program products for disaster recovery planning

Abstract: Formulating an integrated disaster recovery (DR) plan based upon a plurality of DR requirements for an application by receiving a first set of inputs identifying one or more entity types for which the plan is to be formulated, such as an enterprise, one or more sites of the enterprise, the application, or a particular data type for the application. At least one data container representing a subset of data for an application is identified. A second set of inputs is received identifying at least one disaster type for which the plan is to be formulated. A third set of inputs is received identifying a DR requirement for the application as a category of DR Quality of Service (QoS) class to be applied to the disaster type. A composition model is generated specifying one or more respective DR QoS parameters as a function of a corresponding set of one or more QoS parameters representative of a replication technology solution. The replication technology solution encompasses a plurality of storage stack levels. A solution template library is generated for mapping the application to each of a plurality of candidate replication technology solutions. The template library is used to select a DR plan in the form of a replication technology solution for the application.

Disaster Response and Recovery: Strategies and Tactics for Resilience

Abstract: Disaster Response and Recovery: Strategies and Tactics for Resilience by David A. McEntire, University of North Texas Hoboken, N.J.: John Wiley & Sons, 2007.

Community vulnerability and capacity in post-disaster recovery: the cases of Mano and Mikura neighbourhoods in the wake of the 1995 Kobe earthquake

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Critical Information Infrastructures: Resilience and Protection

Abstract: Definitions and Assumptions.- Critical Infrastructures and Critical Information Infrastructures: Approaches by Geography.- Critical Infrastructures and Critical Information Infrastructures: by Type.- Critical Information Infrastructure.- Some Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Environmental, Legal and Other Process Effects on Critical Infrastructures.- Comments on Standards in Information Security, Disaster Recovery, Business Continuity and Business Resilience.- A Tangential Threat To OECD Resilience: The Twenty-First Century East India Company.- Resilience and Outsourcing Call Centers Offshore: A Case Study.- Information Infrastructure: Resilience, Recovery, and Security.- A Suggested Approach to Individual, Corporate, National, and International Resilience, Critical Infrastructures, and Critical Information Infrastructures.- General Summary and Conclusions.- A Manifesto for Change.

Method and System for Disaster Mitigation Planning and Business Impact Assessment

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system making it possible to reduce a description of the impact of a disaster on the world at large to measurable, firm-specific operational and financial implications. This makes it possible to bridge the divide between disaster prediction and business planning by facilitating the translation of physical and other effects of a disaster on a business into a dollars-and-cents impact. The present invention also allows a user to evaluate the costs and benefits of various disaster mitigation plans and/or policies and to understand the combined effects of multiple mitigation plans.

IT Disaster Recovery Planning For Dummies

Abstract: Foreword. Introduction. Part I: Getting Started with Disaster Recovery. Chapter 1: Understanding Disaster Recovery. Chapter 2: Bootstrapping the DR Plan Effort. Chapter 3: Developing and Using a Business Impact Analysis. Part II: Building Technology Recovery Plans. Chapter 4: Mapping Business Functions to Infrastructure. Chapter 5: Planning User Recovery. Chapter 6: Planning Facilities Protection and Recovery. Chapter 7: Planning System and Network Recovery. Chapter 8: Planning Data Recovery. Chapter 9: Writing the Disaster Recovery Plan. Part III: Managing Recovery Plans. Chapter 10: Testing the Recovery Plan. Chapter 11: Keeping DR Plans and Staff Current. Chapter 12: Understanding the Role of Prevention. Chapter 13: Planning for Various Disaster Scenarios. Part IV: The Part of Tens. Chapter 14: Ten Disaster Recovery Planning Tools. Chapter 15: Eleven Disaster Recovery Planning Web Sites. Chapter 16: Ten Essentials for Disaster Planning Success. Chapter 17: Ten Benefits of DR Planning. Index.

Emergency Response and Recovery

Abstract: Emergency response and recovery must be planned and coordinated in order to mitigate risk and recover from a disaster effectively. A Crisis Management Team should be formed to centrally manage all aspects of recovery operations after a disaster, with an Emergency Response Team and disaster recovery teams providing essential recovery operations. Successful planning involves developing simple, preplanned checklists which can be easily referenced during emergency response and recovery operations, including checklists for the IT portion of the recovery effort, and business continuity operations after recovery is completed. We also discuss the importance of a computer incident response team for recovery efforts.

Disaster planning in libraries

Abstract: Disaster preparedness is an important issue in library management today. This article presents a general overview of the theoretical aspects of disaster planning in libraries. The stages of disaster planning are a circular process of planning, prevention, response, recovery, preparedness, and training.

Systems, methods, and computer products for coordinated disaster recovery

Abstract: Systems, methods and computer products for coordinated disaster recovery of at least one computing cluster site are disclosed. According to exemplary embodiments, a disaster recovery system may include a computer processor and a disaster recovery process residing on the computer processor. The disaster recovery process may have instructions to monitor at least one computing cluster site, communicate monitoring events regarding the at least one computing cluster site with a second computing cluster site, generate alerts responsive to the monitoring events on the second computing cluster site regarding potential disasters, and coordinate recovery of the at least one computing cluster site onto the second computing cluster site in the event of a disaster.