Showing papers on "Emergency management published in 2004"

The Design of a Dynamic Emergency Response Management Information System (DERMIS)

Abstract: This paper systematically develops a set of general and supporting design principles and specifications for a "Dynamic Emergency Response Management Information System" (DERMIS) by identifying design premises resulting from the use of the "Emergency Management Information System and Reference Index" (EMISARI) and design concepts resulting from a comprehensive literature review. Implicit in crises of varying scopes and proportions are communication and information needs that can be addressed by today's information and communication technologies. However, what is required is organizing the premises and concepts that can be mapped into a set of generic design principles in turn providing a framework for the sensible development of flexible and dynamic Emergency Response Information Systems. A framework is presented for the system design and development that addresses the communication and information needs of first responders as well as the decision making needs of command and control personnel. The framework also incorporates thinking about the value of insights and information from communities of geographically dispersed experts and suggests how that expertise can be brought to bear on crisis decision making. Historic experience is used to suggest nine design premises. These premises are complemented by a series of five design concepts based upon the review of pertinent and applicable research. The result is a set of eight general design principles and three supporting design considerations that are recommended to be woven into the detailed specifications of a DERMIS. The resulting DERMIS design model graphically indicates the heuristic taken by this paper and suggests that the result will be an emergency response system flexible, robust, and dynamic enough to support the communication and information needs of emergency and crisis personnel on all levels. In addition it permits the development of dynamic emergency response information systems with tailored flexibility to support and be integrated across different sizes and types of organizations. This paper provides guidelines for system analysts and designers, system engineers, first responders, communities of experts, emergency command and control personnel, and MIS/IT researchers. SECTIONS 1. Introduction 2. Historical Insights about EMISARI 3. The emergency Response Atmosphere of OEP 4. Resulting Requirements for Emergency Response and Conceptual Design Specifics 4.1 Metaphors 4.2 Roles 4.3 Notifications 4.4 Context Visibility 4.5 Hypertext 5. Generalized Design Principles 6. Supporting Design Considerations 6.1 Resource Databases and Community Collaboration 6.2 Collective Memory 6.3 Online Communities of Experts 7. Conclusions and Final Observations 8. References 1. INTRODUCTION There have been, since 9/11, considerable efforts to propose improvements in the ability to respond to emergencies. However, the vast majority of these efforts have concentrated on infrastructure improvements to aid in mitigation of the impacts of either a man-made or natural disaster. In the area of communication and information systems to support the actual ongoing reaction to a disaster situation, the vast majority of the efforts have focused on the underlying technology to reliably support survivability of the underlying networks and physical facilities (Kunreuther and LernerLam 2002; Mork 2002). The fact that there were major failures of the basic technology and loss of the command center for 48 hours in the 9/11 event has made this an understandable result. The very workable commercial paging and digital mail systems supplied immediately afterwards by commercial firms (Michaels 2001; Vatis 2002) to the emergency response workers demonstrated that the correction of underlying technology is largely a process of setting integration standards and deciding to spend the necessary funds to update antiquated systems. …

Coordination in Rapidly Evolving Disaster Response Systems: The Role of Information

Abstract: Assessing the changing dynamic between the demand that is placed upon a community by cumulative exposure to hazards and the capacity of the community to mitigate or respond to that risk represents a central problem in estimating the community’s resilience to disaster. We present an initial effort to simulate the dynamic between increasing demand and decreasing capacity in an actual disaster response system to determine the fragility of the system, or the point at which the system fails. The results show that access to core information enhances efficiency of response actions and increases coordination throughout the network of responding organizations

Participatory methods of incorporating scientific with traditional knowledge for volcanic hazard management on Ambae Island, Vanuatu

Abstract: Ambae Island is the largest of Vanuatu's active volcanoes. It is also one of the nation's potentially most dangerous, with 60 million m 3 of lake-water perched at over 1340 m in the summit caldera and over the ac- tive vent. In 1995, small phreatic explosions, earthquake swarms and heightened gas release led to calls for evacuation preparation and community volcanic hazard awareness programs for the ~9500 inhabitants. Differences in perspective or world-view between the island dwellers adhering to traditional beliefs (Kastom) and external sci- entists and emergency managers led to a climate of distrust following this crisis. In an attempt to address these issues, rebuild dialogue and respect between communities, out- side scientists and administrators, and move forward in volcanic hazard education and planning for Ambae, we adapted and applied Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) approaches. Initial gender-segregated PRA exercises from two representative communities provided a mechanism for cataloguing local traditional viewpoints and hazard per- ceptions. Ultimately, by combining elements of these viewpoints and perceptions with science-based manage- ment structures, we derived volcanic hazard management guidelines, supported by an alert system and map that were more readily accepted by the test communities than the earlier "top-down" plans imposed by outside govern- mental and scientific agencies. The strength of PRA ap- proaches is that they permit scientists to understand important local perspective issues, including visualisations of volcanic hazards, weaknesses in internal and external communication systems, and gender and hierarchy con- flicts, all of which can hinder community emergency management. The approach we describe has much to offer both developing and industrialised communities that wish to improve their awareness programs and mitigative planning. This approach should also enhance communi- cation and understanding between volcanologists and the communities they serve.

Information Technology and Emergency Medical Care during Disasters

Abstract: Disaster response to mass-casualty incidents represents one of the greatest challenges to a community's emergency response system. Rescuers, field medical personnel, and regional emergency departments and hospitals must often provide care to large numbers of casualties in a setting of limited resources, inadequate communication, misinformation, damaged infrastructure, and great personal risk. Emergency care providers and incident managers attempt to procure and coordinate resources and personnel, often with inaccurate data regarding the true nature of the incident, needs, and ongoing response. In this chaotic environment, new technologies in communications, the Internet, computer miniaturization, and advanced "smart devices" have the potential to vastly improve the emergency medical response to such mass-casualty incident disasters. In particular, next-generation wireless Internet and geopositioning technologies may have the greatest impact on improving communications, information management, and overall disaster response and emergency medical care. These technologies have applications in terms of enhancing mass-casualty field care, provider safety, field incident command, resource management, informatics support, and regional emergency department and hospital care of disaster victims.

ANNIVERSARY ARTICLE: Improving Emergency Responsiveness with Management Science

Abstract: While the goal of OR/MS is to aid decision makers, implementation of published models occurs less frequently than one might hope. However, one area that has been significantly impacted by management science is emergency response systems. Dozens of papers on emergency service management appeared in the OR/MS literature in the 1970s alone, many of which were published inManagement Science. Three of these papers won major prizes. More importantly, many of these papers led to the implementation of substantially new policies and practices, particularly in policing and firefighting. Much of this work originated in New York City, though many other cities subsequently adopted the resulting models and strategies. In this paper, we look at the context, content, and nature of the research and the factors that led to these early implementation successes. We then track the extent to which these original models are still affecting decision making in emergency response systems. We also examine the pace of development of new OR/MS models and applications in the area. Finally, we look at issues in emergency responsiveness that have emerged recently as a result of the national focus on terrorism and discuss the potential for future OR/MS modeling and application.

Disaster Exercise Outcomes for Professional Emergency Personnel and Citizen Volunteers

Abstract: It has long been argued in the research literature that conducting disaster exercises produces a variety of benefits that promote effective emergency management. In spite of nearly universal acceptance of the claim, there are few empirical studies that have explored the effects of exercises on participants. This paper reviews the role of exercises in the creation of community disaster preparedness, while making explicit the links among planning, training and exercising. Using a quasi-experimental design, the effects of disaster exercise participation on perceptions of response knowledge and teamwork are studied for police officers, fire-fighters and civilian volunteers. The exercise studied involved an annual airport disaster drill required for continuing certification. It was found that participation enhanced the perceptions of response knowledge and teamwork for all three types of participants.

Flood risk perception and implications for flood risk management in the Netherlands

Abstract: A society well@aware of risks must not only give attention to the prevention of flood risks but must also consider disaster management, i.e. minimising casualties and flood damages, and enhancing recovery. The Netherlands has a solid network of levees along the rivers that protect the many low‐lying polders from flooding. But nature is unpredictable, extreme events may happen, and absolute protection against flooding cannot be offered. It is common practice to perform technical and economic analyses to determine the feasibility of flood protection plans. And usually also institutional and administrative aspects are addressed. But how the people that live in the polders feel about flood risk and protection plans seldom gets due attention. This paper primarily looks into the attitude of the people. How do people live with (flood) risks and how do they feel about that? What can be learned from that for communication on flood risks and flood risk management? Finally, we give some recommendations abou...

Disaster Exercise Outcomes for Professional Emergency Personnel and Citizen Volunteers

Abstract: It has long been argued in the research literature that conducting disaster exercises produces a variety of benefits that promote effective emergency management. In spite of nearly universal acceptance of the claim, there are few empirical studies that have explored the effects of exercises on participants. This paper reviews the role of exercises in the creation of community disaster preparedness, while making explicit the links among planning, training and exercising. Using a quasi-experimental design, the effects of disaster exercise participation on perceptions of response knowledge and teamwork are studied for police officers, fire-fighters and civilian volunteers. The exercise studied involved an annual airport disaster drill required for continuing certification. It was found that participation enhanced the perceptions of response knowledge and teamwork for all three types of participants.

International perspectives on gender and disaster: differences and possibilities

Abstract: This article provides an introduction and assessment of the English and Spanish literatures on gender relations in disaster contexts. We analyze regional patterns of differences and similarities in women’s disaster experiences and the differing research questions raised by these patterns in the scholarly and practice‐based literature. The analysis supports the claim that how gender is theorized makes a difference in public policy and practical approaches to disaster risk management. We propose new directions in the field of disaster social science and contribute a current bibliography in the emerging gender and disaster field.

Emergency Evacuation Planning with Microscopic Traffic Simulation

Abstract: A microscopic simulation model (MITSIMLab) for evaluating emergency evacuation plans was developed for the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). MITSIMLab was used as the microscopic traffic simulator to model traffic operations. The study area consisted of the entire region that includes all technical areas within the LANL and the towns of White Rock and Los Alamos, New Mexico. Evacuation planning is a critical component of overall security planning. The approach adopted presents a laboratory-like setup to evaluate a large range of evacuation scenarios including no evacuation. Five evacuation scenarios are considered in LANL evacuation planning. The scenarios, developed in consultation with the Emergency Management Office of LANL, include full or partial closures of various roads, limited access to some special facilities, and security delays at certain locations. Performance measures for evaluating an evacuation plan include the total time to achieve a complete evacuation, the time needed for a partial evacuation in which the population within certain areas is at risk, and the percentage of the population in affected zones as a function of time.

Learning from crisis: lessons in human an information infrastructure from the world trade center response

Abstract: Many of the challenges faced by government and the community in responding to the World Trade Center attack involved the use of information and technology linked to professional and organizational relationships. This study involves content analysis of records and in-depth interviews with 29 participants in the response and identifies key problems associated with technology, information, and relationships as well as resources and strategies. The complex problem-solving and learning process embedded in the response generated lessons for organizational management, emergency management, and community resilience. Management lessons focus on the importance of data quality, usability, and sharing; business continuity; human resources; and diversity and redundancy of key organizational resources. For government organizations in particular, there are information policy challenges and lessons about workforce planning and informing the public. Emergency management lessons focus on usable data and versatile technologies for first responders as well as methods for preparedness. At the community level, lessons emphasized issues of size and capability, infrastructure considerations, and public trust and involvement.

Review of Procedures Associated with Devising Emergency Evacuation Plans

Abstract: The incidence of freak weather and geological events, such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, has increased over the past 30 years. Coupled with an increase in the populations located in the path of these natural disasters, the imminent danger posed by naturally occurring phenomena has also risen. Given the potential dangers, it is wise for policy administrators to ensure that appropriate emergency plans are in place that aim to minimize the negative consequences associated with these disasters. Effective emergency planning and management should successfully combine the skills and knowledge of law enforcement agencies and transport planners as well as the knowledge and skills of emergency planning professionals. In Australia, there has not been a thorough investigation of the emergency impacts on the transport infrastructure nor have emergency plans adequately integrated the transportation aspect. Which transport routes evacuees and emergency vehicles should use is a question that needs to be answered urgently to avoid situations where evacuees are trapped in their vehicles; in which emergency personnel are unable to gain access to the people in need; and in which emergency vehicles are not able to get onto the road network due to traffic congestion. Thus, in a case of a suburban bushfire (wildfire), a fire that may have been easily extinguished or controlled is left to engulf more bushland and increase in ferocity. The many emergency evacuation models developed are critically assessed, and the important information required to devise the models is described. It is clear, however, that more research needs to be undertaken to investigate specifically the effects of a mass evacuation on current transport networks.

Emergency preparedness competencies: assessing nurses' educational needs.

Abstract: This article reports findings from a research study designed to assess the level of familiarity Wisconsin nurses have regarding their response to large-scale emergency events. The research process identified 8 emergency preparedness dimensions, which were then investigated in the study. Efforts were also undertaken to determine the types of educational offerings and class-scheduling options most preferred by nurses.

Psychological impact of the animal-human bond in disaster preparedness and response.

Abstract: The authors present an overview of the impact of the animal-human bond on disaster management and highlight the need to further examine the relationship of animals and humans in disaster response. The human connection to animals influences compliance with individual and community evacuation plans. S

The need to use disaster planning frameworks to respond to major tourism disasters: analysis of Australia's response to tourism disasters in 2001.

Abstract: This paper looks at the Australian federal government's response to a series of tourism disasters and crises that affected the Australian tourism industry in 2001 and measures these impacts against the response mechanism suggested in the Tourism Disaster Framework Model developed by Faulkner (2001). The paper finds that as shocks often occur with little warning, the establishment of a formal disaster management framework should be given a high priority by government and receive support from the private sector. Had such a mechanism been in place in Australia prior to 2001, the government may have been able to respond to the disasters in a more considered manner.

The Status of Emergency Management Theory: Issues, Barriers, and Recommendations for Improved Scholarship

Abstract: A massive transformation is taking place in emergency management right now. For good or for bad, the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States have resulted in a significant reformulation of the purpose and nature of emergency management. Terrorism has become the hazard of priority among those making policy decisions. The establishment of the Department of Homeland Security, with the incorporation of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, amounts to the most sweeping reorganization of government over the past five decades. Emergency managers have obtained a long-overdue (but still incomplete) recognition from the general public while politicians and legislators have increased funding for the profession to historic levels. The field is also being positively and negatively affected by recent technological developments such as GIS and further industrialization. In addition, training and educational opportunities are providing a more knowledgeable cadre of professionals to meet the future challenges that will inevitably result from further urbanization and modern infrastructure. The demands placed on emergency managers have risen, but there are also other stakeholders that desire to contribute to the goals of disaster prevention and preparedness. Emergency management still retains vestiges of the past of course. But it is, nonetheless, dramatically different than it was in prior years. In some ways, similar changes are occurring in disaster scholarship and in emergency management research. Our views about the causes of disasters have shifted, and we now more fully understand the plethora of variables that contribute to their occurrence. The lessons from Sociology and Geography remain as important as ever, but

Assuring homeland security : continuous monitoring, control and assurance of emergency preparedness

Abstract: This paper examines the potential relationships of Auditing and Emergency Preparedness with respect to the domain of the design of Emergency Response Information Systems. It proposes normative objectives for the integration of all these areas in the design of future organizational systems. It also proposes a series of steps to evolve in this direction and create a new interdisciplinary professional community to guide research and development for this field of endeavor.

Introduction to Homeland Security

Abstract: TABLE OF CONTENTS1 Historic Overview of the Terrorist Threat 2 - Statutory Authority 3 Organizational Actions 4 Hazards 5 Safety and Security 6 Mitigation and Preparedness 7 Response and Recovery 8 - Communications 9 Technology 10 The Future of Homeland Security A1 List of Acronyms A2 U.S.A. Patriot Act Summary A3 Homeland Security Act of 2002 A4 List of State Emergency Management Offices A5 List of State Homeland Security Contacts A6 List of Coproation for National and Community Service (CNCS) Homeland Security Grantees A7 Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Preparedness and Planning Information Sites A8 Select Web Sites for Additional Information A9 Safe Conference Report A10 California State Agency Guidance: Homeland Security Advisory System A11 Communicating During Emergencies Glossary of Hazard Terms References Index

An integrative approach to disaster management and planning

Abstract: Although it is possible to prevent and contain both man made and natural disasters, it has to be said that the increase in the world's population is likely to increase further the frequency of a major disaster occurring. Disaster management and planning needs to be placed in a holistic setting, and new initiatives found in order to ensure that a disaster is viewed as a shared responsibility. One area that needs further attention is the concept of community policing and what community policing incorporates. Often, a disaster is on such a scale that local community leaders need to be consulted during the disaster limitation and containment stage. It is essential, therefore, that experts from overseas countries brought into the disaster arena, are able to communicate fully and openly with community leaders in order to gain the support of the community.

Emergency response mission support platform

Abstract: A method, system, and computer program software for an emergency management and response mission support platform for facilitating communication between a plurality of emergency response and management organizations is provided. In one embodiment, the platform includes an incident management and response unit and a portal. The incident management and response unit coordinates information between a plurality of emergence management and response organizations and provides substantially real-time operational information, such as, for example, location of emergency personnel and assets from a plurality of organizations, emergency response plans, and evacuation plan analysis, and delivers this information to users via a portal which provides a user interface to view content provided by the incident management and response unit. The portal is typically a web portal and the information is provided to any web enabled device, either wireless or wired, connected to the network and authorized to receive the information provided by the platform.

Role improvising during crisis situations

Abstract: This research describes the various ways key responders improvise their disaster-related roles during the emergency period of large-scale crises. Using archival data from the University of Delaware's Disaster Research Center in the USA, this paper presents an empirically-derived classification of role improvisations occurring in natural disasters, technological crises, and civil disturbances. Five types of role improvising are identified: procedural changes, status changes, normative-order changes, equipment changes, and location/facility changes. The paper concludes by discussing the implications of the classification scheme for the practice of emergency management and for future studies of role improvising in both routine and non-routine social settings.

Disaster recovery planning

Abstract: In today's world, where fears of "what if" grow daily, information technology (IT) professionals are planning for those possible disasters. According to a 2003 article found on ComputerWorld's web site, nine out of ten IT leaders surveyed had already cemented a disaster recovery plan or will have one in place within the year. Planning for a disaster may seem odd at first. But it is a smart choice for anyone who wants to protect a valuable asset. For instance, just as you would not carelessly store paper money next to the fireplace, the same intelligence applies to data and computers. A catastrophe is anything that threatens the function or existence of a business, ranging from a computer virus to a huge earthquake. A well thought out disaster recovery plan can play a major role in a company's survival/success. Disaster recovery covers a broad range of topics and includes practically everyone in an organization. Every employee - manager and janitor - must be on the same page when a disaster occurs. The support of all the management teams is also necessary. This article covers two important topics in disaster recovery, risk management and disaster recovery planning.

Emergency and Disaster: Pervasive Risk and Public Bureaucracy in Developing Nations

Abstract: Developing nations experience pervasive risk of devastation, human and property loss resulting from human and natural disasters. This level of risk is attributable to socioeconomic stress, aging and inadequate physical infrastructure, weak education and preparedness for disaster and insufficient fiscal and economic resources to carefully implement the preparedness, response, mitigation and recovery components of integrated emergency management. This article examines these dynamics using a conceptual framework derived from chaos theory and emergency management theory and raises several critical methodological issues related to inquiries into disaster and emergency management dynamics in developing nations.

Regional Traffic Simulation for Emergency Preparedness

Abstract: This report presents the results of a case study that developed and tested responses to several hypothetical transportation emergencies in the Birmingham, Alabama region. The purpose was to demonstrate the usefulness of microsimulation modeling in developing and refining appropriate response plans. First, the CORSIM traffic simulation software was utilized to create a regional transportation model comprising the major traffic corridors in the Birmingham area. An innovation in this process included the development of computer code that automated the merging of multiple CORSIM files into one integrated transportation network. Then, the regional model was used to test and evaluate various emergency management strategies in response to hypothetical incidents in the Birmingham area. Emergency incidents considered include a traffic accident on a major freeway, a building evacuation in downtown Birmingham, and traffic influx into Birmingham due to an emergency at Anniston Army Depot. Response strategies evaluated include traffic diversion, signal optimization, access restriction, and emergency routing. Appropriate measures of effectiveness (MOEs) were selected to support the assessment process at the region-wide or corridor-level. Candidate response actions were compared and evaluated on the basis of these MOEs and recommendations were developed on best practices and future needs. The project was successful in showcasing the utility of microscopic traffic simulation for regional emergency preparedness and assisting regional transportation officials and public safety agencies in considering effective traffic management strategies in the event of an actual regional emergency.