Rare is the community in the US these days that doesn't have residents who either don't speak English, or speak it poorly. Emergency managers and other public safety officials struggle with making sure critical messages are understood by all, including people with disabilities. Many notification systems don't have ability to deliver messages in multiple languages or in ways to accommodate special needs and, if they do, use is often awkward.
The Emergency Alert System (EAS) is challenged in the same way. Most EAS messages, like those monthly tests heard on almost all radio and TV stations, are broadcast only in English.
The National Association of Broadcasters recently asked the FCC to "refrain from adopting mandatory requirements on the format or content of EAS messages". Instead, the NAB said "voluntary programs created by state and local officials, broadcasters and other interested parties are the preferred and practical approach". The NAB was referring to a project in Florida where EAS messages from the state level are delivered in multiple languages. At this point, messages from the federal level orginiate in English only. It would be impractical, says the NAB, for a mechanism to be placed into action that would require translation of EAS messages down the chain from originator (say, the President).
Delivering emergency messages so that all can understand is not a new problem, but it's one that's likely getting worse as US populations grow of non-English speaking and people with disabilities. We're not sure of the exact answer, but suspect it lies somewhere in that system-of-systems approach we keep harping on. Perhaps EAS remains an English-only system, or is multi-lingual when locals work together to make it so. Fine, as long as other systems come into the mainstream that fill the notification gaps.
All the best,
Rick
Friday, May 28, 2010
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
The Perfect Storm
Some people have been saying the recent Tennessee floods were result of "the perfect storm". Many things lined up to make this a particularly troublesome flood. We live just south of Nashville and, while our home was spared, over 100 families in our neighborhood weren't so lucky. (If consulting and blogging don't work out, I now have a fall-back career of removing duct work from crawl spaces.)
It's been gut-wrenching to see the damage, and to hear that stories from our neighborhood are not isolated. However, many of the stories people are talking about are positive. For the most part, middle Tennessee rallied. Emergency response efforts were strong. Volunteerism made the state truly worthy of its moniker of "The Volunteer State". And, believe it our not, many people are talking about how responsive FEMA has been. FEMA housing inspectors were out in force quickly. Relief checks arrived much faster than expected. The FEMA buzz is positive. In fact, most of the buzz is positive...despite the damage and hardships.
As proud as we Tennesseans are of our response to the floods, we had a lot of luck working for us. For example, it's somewhat of a fluke that few of us lost power for any significant amount of time. Our house on a hill was one of a few in the neighborhood to lose power. It's an eerie sight to see homes down the street, evacuated, with several feet of water in them and all of the lights on.
Because power outages were not widespread, we were able to watch local TV. Our local TV stations did a good job keeping us informed, even though they were having trouble getting from place-to-place because of flooded roads. For the most part, cable service was uninterrupted, no small feat since the local cable company's main facility was right in the path of the flood. Were it not for sandbags and a determined cable company, we could have easily experienced widespread cable outages.
Not so important for us to keep our HBO and cooking channels in service during an emergency, you may think. Well, think again. How many people receive their local TV stations through the cable, and don't know how to pick them up through the airwaves when cable is out...particularly since digital TV has come? And, what if the peak of the floods happened after we were asleep, instead of during the Kentucky Derby when so many of us were watching TV? What would have awakened us and told us our homes were about to be flooded so we could try to move belongings to the second floor before we were ordered to evacuate?
So, one of the things that concerns me is that we have potential to be lulled into complacency by our pride in our response. This was one heckuva flood, many would say the worst disaster to hit the area...ever. But, we're strutting our stuff about how well we're doing. Next time, though, we could easily lose access to TV, our mainstay of information. Instead of rallying, we could easily feel isolation and helplessness that others in similar situations have felt.
Don't get me wrong. We're a hardy and resourceful lot in middle Tennessee. We've made this our home for over 25 years by design. We love it here. But, in this particular disaster, we've also been a lucky lot. I hope we'll shore up our emergency alerting and communications capabilities so next time something major happens, we'll again be able to strut our stuff about how well we've responded.
All the best,
Rick
It's been gut-wrenching to see the damage, and to hear that stories from our neighborhood are not isolated. However, many of the stories people are talking about are positive. For the most part, middle Tennessee rallied. Emergency response efforts were strong. Volunteerism made the state truly worthy of its moniker of "The Volunteer State". And, believe it our not, many people are talking about how responsive FEMA has been. FEMA housing inspectors were out in force quickly. Relief checks arrived much faster than expected. The FEMA buzz is positive. In fact, most of the buzz is positive...despite the damage and hardships.
As proud as we Tennesseans are of our response to the floods, we had a lot of luck working for us. For example, it's somewhat of a fluke that few of us lost power for any significant amount of time. Our house on a hill was one of a few in the neighborhood to lose power. It's an eerie sight to see homes down the street, evacuated, with several feet of water in them and all of the lights on.
Because power outages were not widespread, we were able to watch local TV. Our local TV stations did a good job keeping us informed, even though they were having trouble getting from place-to-place because of flooded roads. For the most part, cable service was uninterrupted, no small feat since the local cable company's main facility was right in the path of the flood. Were it not for sandbags and a determined cable company, we could have easily experienced widespread cable outages.
Not so important for us to keep our HBO and cooking channels in service during an emergency, you may think. Well, think again. How many people receive their local TV stations through the cable, and don't know how to pick them up through the airwaves when cable is out...particularly since digital TV has come? And, what if the peak of the floods happened after we were asleep, instead of during the Kentucky Derby when so many of us were watching TV? What would have awakened us and told us our homes were about to be flooded so we could try to move belongings to the second floor before we were ordered to evacuate?
So, one of the things that concerns me is that we have potential to be lulled into complacency by our pride in our response. This was one heckuva flood, many would say the worst disaster to hit the area...ever. But, we're strutting our stuff about how well we're doing. Next time, though, we could easily lose access to TV, our mainstay of information. Instead of rallying, we could easily feel isolation and helplessness that others in similar situations have felt.
Don't get me wrong. We're a hardy and resourceful lot in middle Tennessee. We've made this our home for over 25 years by design. We love it here. But, in this particular disaster, we've also been a lucky lot. I hope we'll shore up our emergency alerting and communications capabilities so next time something major happens, we'll again be able to strut our stuff about how well we've responded.
All the best,
Rick
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Doing it Right: Engaging Citizens in a Notification Program
For ENS managers across the country, one of the biggest challenges is convincing local citizens to actively engage in the alerts and warnings program. In many cases, the notification data itself is dependent on citizen input making stimulating awareness (and action) even more important.
AlertSCC: A Great Example
One of the best examples we've seen of a local government promoting its notification program is in Santa Clara County, California. It is currently implementing a comprehensive marketing plan to educate citizens on its "AlertSCC" program. The ultimate goal is to encourage the public to register for notifications through its online portal.
The county is deploying local television, radio, and print ads to spread the word. Produced by Oakland, CA-based communications firm CirclePoint, these ads are not your typical boring PSAs, but are instead produced with humor and creativity to attract and motivate audiences. The campaign shuns a direct "fear-based" approach, instead tapping into personal relationships and everyday people with a slogan of "I love you, please sign up" according to Eddie Kurtz of CirclePoint.
In addition, the County is working on a soon-to-be-released viral campaign--a portal that allows individuals to upload their own pictures into these ads and send to friends and family. They are also managing a Facebook page with informational updates and links to these ads. Other methods are being deployed as well, including outreach efforts to specific community organizations within the county.
See the ads here on the AlertSCC Facebook page.
Funding for AlertSCC Campaign
Funding for this extensive campaign came from two sources according to Gwen Mitchell, Director of the Office of Public Affairs in Santa Clara county. The City of San Jose received a UASI grant for $250,000 that was applied to the effort, and the County matched this amount from its operating budget (total of $500,000).
Advice to ENS Managers
What advice would Gwen give to emergency managers regarding public outreach efforts?
First, don't ask them to do too much. "One thing our research showed, is even though people know it is important to take steps to prepare, they don’t do it. I think it is important they be given messages with which they can take immediate action. For instance, signing up for this only takes a few minutes. It’s a step they can take right now. I think that kind of messaging is effective, not a list of 20 things."
Second,use frequent, multiple means of getting the message out. "Communicate often, especially if they are in areas where there is potential for disaster."
Third, center the message on the audience and don't be afraid of creativity. "Target populations where they may not be able to receive the message through mainstream media. You have to be creative and really think about this issue in very broad ways to reach as many people as possible."
It is too early in the campaign to tell whether the time and resources applied here will generate the results Santa Clara County desires. However, we applaud the effort to pair investments in notification technology with investments in community education. The outcome is likely to be a safer more informed community.
All the best,
Lorin
AlertSCC: A Great Example
One of the best examples we've seen of a local government promoting its notification program is in Santa Clara County, California. It is currently implementing a comprehensive marketing plan to educate citizens on its "AlertSCC" program. The ultimate goal is to encourage the public to register for notifications through its online portal.
The county is deploying local television, radio, and print ads to spread the word. Produced by Oakland, CA-based communications firm CirclePoint, these ads are not your typical boring PSAs, but are instead produced with humor and creativity to attract and motivate audiences. The campaign shuns a direct "fear-based" approach, instead tapping into personal relationships and everyday people with a slogan of "I love you, please sign up" according to Eddie Kurtz of CirclePoint.
In addition, the County is working on a soon-to-be-released viral campaign--a portal that allows individuals to upload their own pictures into these ads and send to friends and family. They are also managing a Facebook page with informational updates and links to these ads. Other methods are being deployed as well, including outreach efforts to specific community organizations within the county.
See the ads here on the AlertSCC Facebook page.
Funding for AlertSCC Campaign
Funding for this extensive campaign came from two sources according to Gwen Mitchell, Director of the Office of Public Affairs in Santa Clara county. The City of San Jose received a UASI grant for $250,000 that was applied to the effort, and the County matched this amount from its operating budget (total of $500,000).
Advice to ENS Managers
What advice would Gwen give to emergency managers regarding public outreach efforts?
First, don't ask them to do too much. "One thing our research showed, is even though people know it is important to take steps to prepare, they don’t do it. I think it is important they be given messages with which they can take immediate action. For instance, signing up for this only takes a few minutes. It’s a step they can take right now. I think that kind of messaging is effective, not a list of 20 things."
Second,use frequent, multiple means of getting the message out. "Communicate often, especially if they are in areas where there is potential for disaster."
Third, center the message on the audience and don't be afraid of creativity. "Target populations where they may not be able to receive the message through mainstream media. You have to be creative and really think about this issue in very broad ways to reach as many people as possible."
It is too early in the campaign to tell whether the time and resources applied here will generate the results Santa Clara County desires. However, we applaud the effort to pair investments in notification technology with investments in community education. The outcome is likely to be a safer more informed community.
All the best,
Lorin
Monday, May 24, 2010
Should Local Emergency Managers be Allowed to Activate EAS?
Not a new debate is the one over exactly who should be able to activate the Emergency Alert System (EAS). Hardly anyone disagrees that the President of the United States should be able to activate EAS (although none ever has). And, most agree that governors should be able to execute EAS alerts. But, what about the local level?
The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), for one, is not keen on the idea of local emergency managers having ability to, in effect, take over the airwaves to make an announcement. In a filing with the Federal Communications Commission last week, NAB reiterated its position that emergency messages (other than those from the President) should come only from a gubernatorial designate and only under certain conditions. The NAB said, "multiple sources of alerts may lead to audience confusion or desensitization to emergency alerts". This presents a dilemma, since some people argue that emergency alerting is a local responsibility, not a state one, not a federal one.
In the same filing with the FCC, the NAB asked again for the commission to limit cable TV overrides for EAS alerts - those non-graphic, text-only messages that pop up on cable telvision. Broadcasters complain that these alerts override local programming at a point where local stations may already be providing important information about the emergency at hand. Instead, says the NAB, cable companies should be forced to "selectively" override. In others words, interrupt the channels that don't carry broadcast TV. In some markets, "selective override" is negotiated, with the FCC's blessings, between local broadcast and cable operators.
There's more. The NAB also expressed concern about talk about requiring that EAS messages be in multiple languages. But, more on that later this week.
In this post, we're just touching the surface. There are many legitimate considerations and debates going on about how to best notify the public through EAS. We just hope that local emergency managers, broadcasters, and other "communities of interest" are paying close attention. And, by all means, speak up (like the NAB did in its filings with the FCC). We believe the debate, even controversy, is born out of a real desire to make ours a better informed and prepared nation.
All the best,
Rick
The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), for one, is not keen on the idea of local emergency managers having ability to, in effect, take over the airwaves to make an announcement. In a filing with the Federal Communications Commission last week, NAB reiterated its position that emergency messages (other than those from the President) should come only from a gubernatorial designate and only under certain conditions. The NAB said, "multiple sources of alerts may lead to audience confusion or desensitization to emergency alerts". This presents a dilemma, since some people argue that emergency alerting is a local responsibility, not a state one, not a federal one.
In the same filing with the FCC, the NAB asked again for the commission to limit cable TV overrides for EAS alerts - those non-graphic, text-only messages that pop up on cable telvision. Broadcasters complain that these alerts override local programming at a point where local stations may already be providing important information about the emergency at hand. Instead, says the NAB, cable companies should be forced to "selectively" override. In others words, interrupt the channels that don't carry broadcast TV. In some markets, "selective override" is negotiated, with the FCC's blessings, between local broadcast and cable operators.
There's more. The NAB also expressed concern about talk about requiring that EAS messages be in multiple languages. But, more on that later this week.
In this post, we're just touching the surface. There are many legitimate considerations and debates going on about how to best notify the public through EAS. We just hope that local emergency managers, broadcasters, and other "communities of interest" are paying close attention. And, by all means, speak up (like the NAB did in its filings with the FCC). We believe the debate, even controversy, is born out of a real desire to make ours a better informed and prepared nation.
All the best,
Rick
Friday, May 21, 2010
Broadcasters Want More Time to Update Emergency Alert System
There's a lot going on toward federally mandated update of the Emergency Alert System (EAS). This summer, FEMA will likely adopt Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) standards new digital equipment must use. A new standards-testing laboratory has been stood up. (See our earlier post.) FEMA, the FCC, and broadcast stations have plans in place for updating and adding Primary Entry Points (PEP), the broadcast stations that serve as the backbone of EAS. An EAS workshop was just announced by the FCC and FEMA. A national EAS exercise is in the works.
However, some broadcasters are concerned. They're not sure they'll have enough time to meet their deadlines. In comments filed with the FCC this week, the National Association of Broadcasters asked the feds to consider funding EAS training programs. NAB also said broadcasters, particularly in smaller communities, may have a tough time coming up with the money to buy the new equipment. At least, they want more time.
Once CAP standards are officially adopted, a 180-day window opens for broadcasters to have the new equipment in place. First, though, vendors must have their equipment CAP-certified by a new laboratory. Testing can't begin until CAP is adopted. Besides, says the NAB to the FCC, some stations and other EAS participants (schools and other public institutions) may not have money in their budgets for a mid-year expenditure. The NAB is not asking for a major change in the requirements, just more time.
Moving forward as fast as possible to update EAS is a good thing. The system is way overdue for overhaul, but the NAB has a good point. Having spent much of my teenaged years in a small radio station in rural Georgia, I can imagine the consternation over spending several thousand dollars on a new piece equipment that doesn't generate revenue. And, way back then, the radio business was more healthy. It seems to me that broadcasters generally welcome their role in EAS, even in these days when money is tighter and many stations don't employ as many people as they did back in the day. A larger window may make sense.
All the best,
Rick
However, some broadcasters are concerned. They're not sure they'll have enough time to meet their deadlines. In comments filed with the FCC this week, the National Association of Broadcasters asked the feds to consider funding EAS training programs. NAB also said broadcasters, particularly in smaller communities, may have a tough time coming up with the money to buy the new equipment. At least, they want more time.
Once CAP standards are officially adopted, a 180-day window opens for broadcasters to have the new equipment in place. First, though, vendors must have their equipment CAP-certified by a new laboratory. Testing can't begin until CAP is adopted. Besides, says the NAB to the FCC, some stations and other EAS participants (schools and other public institutions) may not have money in their budgets for a mid-year expenditure. The NAB is not asking for a major change in the requirements, just more time.
Moving forward as fast as possible to update EAS is a good thing. The system is way overdue for overhaul, but the NAB has a good point. Having spent much of my teenaged years in a small radio station in rural Georgia, I can imagine the consternation over spending several thousand dollars on a new piece equipment that doesn't generate revenue. And, way back then, the radio business was more healthy. It seems to me that broadcasters generally welcome their role in EAS, even in these days when money is tighter and many stations don't employ as many people as they did back in the day. A larger window may make sense.
All the best,
Rick
Monday, May 17, 2010
People will trust but verify emergency notifications
Two recent studies have shown that, when it comes to emergency notifications, the public won't likely take action unless they receive their directions from at least two sources. It's kind of like Ronald Reagan used to say, "Trust, but verify."
The most recent confirmation comes from research from Georgia Tech on emergency notification preferences of people with disabilities. (See our earlier post.) A study by the Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center for Wireless Technologies (Wireless RERC) was designed to determine preferences for wireless devices for emergency notifications. But, an off-shoot of the research was a finding that, regardless of the initial form of notification, a secondary form was necessary before action would be taken.
When Oak Ridge National Laboratories conducted a FEMA-financed study on evacuations during the San Diego wildfires, they found that residents generally wouldn't leave their homes until they had received confirmation from a second source. (See our earlier post on the study.) In the case of the San Diego wildfires, most people got their first evacuation notice from an automated telephone call. However, they generally sought confirmation from television news before evacuating. Others received confirmation from family members or acquaintances.
Anecdotally, we can confirm the need to confirm. Our home area (middle Tennessee) has recently gone through serious floods and many tornado watches and warnings. We experienced first-hand the need to get alerts from more than one source before evacuating our homes or taking cover.
Although independent, both studies (not just our personal experience) confirmed the need to use multiple forms of notifications - besides the fact that different people get information from different sources. Once again, we make the point that a system of systems is the way to go. (Browse our earlier posts for a lot of of information and insight on making a system of systems a reality, or request a copy of our white paper on the topic at info@galainsolutions.com.)
Thank-you Wireless RERC and Oak Ridge National Laboratories for confirmation of the need to confirm.
All the best,
Rick
The most recent confirmation comes from research from Georgia Tech on emergency notification preferences of people with disabilities. (See our earlier post.) A study by the Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center for Wireless Technologies (Wireless RERC) was designed to determine preferences for wireless devices for emergency notifications. But, an off-shoot of the research was a finding that, regardless of the initial form of notification, a secondary form was necessary before action would be taken.
When Oak Ridge National Laboratories conducted a FEMA-financed study on evacuations during the San Diego wildfires, they found that residents generally wouldn't leave their homes until they had received confirmation from a second source. (See our earlier post on the study.) In the case of the San Diego wildfires, most people got their first evacuation notice from an automated telephone call. However, they generally sought confirmation from television news before evacuating. Others received confirmation from family members or acquaintances.
Anecdotally, we can confirm the need to confirm. Our home area (middle Tennessee) has recently gone through serious floods and many tornado watches and warnings. We experienced first-hand the need to get alerts from more than one source before evacuating our homes or taking cover.
Although independent, both studies (not just our personal experience) confirmed the need to use multiple forms of notifications - besides the fact that different people get information from different sources. Once again, we make the point that a system of systems is the way to go. (Browse our earlier posts for a lot of of information and insight on making a system of systems a reality, or request a copy of our white paper on the topic at info@galainsolutions.com.)
Thank-you Wireless RERC and Oak Ridge National Laboratories for confirmation of the need to confirm.
All the best,
Rick
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Webinar Explores New Nationwide Study on ENS
Fewer topics in emergency management have received more attention over the past few years than emergency or mass notification. Yet, we in the industry have had no real understanding of just how widespread its use is today, and what factors are most important to public safety officials for overall success and end-user satisfaction.
Until now, that is.
We are pleased to announce that we've just completed a research effort that is believed to be the most comprehensive study of its kind focused on alerts and warnings. Sponsored by Blackboard Connect and conducted by our company, Galain Solutions, the research project examines selected perceptions and responses of more than 400 local notification managers nationwide.
We'd like to share some of the results with you if you're interested, and we invite you to attend a free webinar we're conducting on Tuesday, May 18 at 2:00 p.m. EDT.
Hosted by Blackboard Connect, and entitled "The State of Emergency Notification: Local Government Emergency Notification Practices" the webinar will cover questions such as:
• What are the top three things local agencies look for from a notification provider?
• How many local governments have a notification system?
• What is the most popular technology deployment option for these systems?
• For what purposes are other agencies using their systems?
• How frequently are systems being used?
• And more.
You can register at www.blackboardconnect.com by clicking on the link under "Upcoming Webinars".
We think you'll find the webinar helpful and informative and hope to see you there.
All the best,
Lorin
Until now, that is.
We are pleased to announce that we've just completed a research effort that is believed to be the most comprehensive study of its kind focused on alerts and warnings. Sponsored by Blackboard Connect and conducted by our company, Galain Solutions, the research project examines selected perceptions and responses of more than 400 local notification managers nationwide.
We'd like to share some of the results with you if you're interested, and we invite you to attend a free webinar we're conducting on Tuesday, May 18 at 2:00 p.m. EDT.
Hosted by Blackboard Connect, and entitled "The State of Emergency Notification: Local Government Emergency Notification Practices" the webinar will cover questions such as:
• What are the top three things local agencies look for from a notification provider?
• How many local governments have a notification system?
• What is the most popular technology deployment option for these systems?
• For what purposes are other agencies using their systems?
• How frequently are systems being used?
• And more.
You can register at www.blackboardconnect.com by clicking on the link under "Upcoming Webinars".
We think you'll find the webinar helpful and informative and hope to see you there.
All the best,
Lorin
Friday, May 7, 2010
Volunteer Mobilization--Thoughts from a Disaster Area
The extensive flooding last weekend in our area of Nashville, TN has been devastating in terms of life and property. Weekend storms dumped an unprecedented thirteen inches of rain in just 48 hours. Nineteen deaths have been reported from the storm so far in Tennessee. Untold millions of dollars in property damage has accrued (most involving people with no flood insurance as they were not in a historical flood plain). On the plus side, emergency managers, first responders, utility workers, political leaders and others have been highly praised for their heroic efforts and untiring service in the response and recovery process.
Another group has also emerged during this crisis that we believe deserves praise and consideration--citizen volunteers. As we've been involved in our hometown's cleanup efforts, we've been humbled and amazed at the turnout of ordinary people helping fellow neighbors in difficult times. We've also seen trained volunteers, people who serve on various public safety organizations and committees, rise to the occasion as key support to the professional responders.
How does this relate to alerts and warnings?
Many times, we think of notification technology as strictly a tool for disseminating information to a large group of citizens in harm's way (evacuations, boil water notices, etc.). This is certainly a fantastic use of the tool. However, we should not forget the technology is also valuable for MOBILIZING citizens, potentially key partners in any large-scale response effort.
LAFD as an Example
Ron Corona, of the Los Angeles Fire Department, agrees. He says LAFD stands ready to use their notification system for calling up any number of volunteer groups. One set of groups is the city's Crisis Response Teams. These teams include a wide variety of professionals who have unique skills needed in a crisis (grief counselors, medical practitioners, construction/demolition experts, etc.). They also use the system to bring together their Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT)--civilians trained in disciplines such as urban search and rescue, mass casualties, etc.
Even in non-critical, planned events such as festivals and concerts, the system is used for locating people with needed skills not necessarily on the government payroll.
How They Work
In general, these systems allow you to capture volunteer contact information (multiple devices) and collect customizable information on skill sets (training certifications, competencies, etc.). Through proper querying, you can select appropriate team members to fit the circumstance on the fly, or, have the teams pre-built for quick activation.
Some systems have the ability to ask questions such as, "Can you respond?" and "What is your ETA?" allowing for feedback through the telephone touch-tone keypad, or through email or SMS. All of this activity is captured in a database for real-time or after-the-fact reporting.
Notification technology is certainly a useful means for alerting citizens in danger (perhaps the first thing to come to mind when considering these systems). However, it can also be a valuable tool for mobilizing citizens--a powerfully positive force during disasters such as the one experienced across the Southeast this week.
Here's a personal "thank you" to the many dedicated emergency personnel who have helped during this tragedy. Also, here's a big shout out to the average men and women who have shown what it means to be real "citizens."
All the best,
Lorin
Another group has also emerged during this crisis that we believe deserves praise and consideration--citizen volunteers. As we've been involved in our hometown's cleanup efforts, we've been humbled and amazed at the turnout of ordinary people helping fellow neighbors in difficult times. We've also seen trained volunteers, people who serve on various public safety organizations and committees, rise to the occasion as key support to the professional responders.
How does this relate to alerts and warnings?
Many times, we think of notification technology as strictly a tool for disseminating information to a large group of citizens in harm's way (evacuations, boil water notices, etc.). This is certainly a fantastic use of the tool. However, we should not forget the technology is also valuable for MOBILIZING citizens, potentially key partners in any large-scale response effort.
LAFD as an Example
Ron Corona, of the Los Angeles Fire Department, agrees. He says LAFD stands ready to use their notification system for calling up any number of volunteer groups. One set of groups is the city's Crisis Response Teams. These teams include a wide variety of professionals who have unique skills needed in a crisis (grief counselors, medical practitioners, construction/demolition experts, etc.). They also use the system to bring together their Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT)--civilians trained in disciplines such as urban search and rescue, mass casualties, etc.
Even in non-critical, planned events such as festivals and concerts, the system is used for locating people with needed skills not necessarily on the government payroll.
How They Work
In general, these systems allow you to capture volunteer contact information (multiple devices) and collect customizable information on skill sets (training certifications, competencies, etc.). Through proper querying, you can select appropriate team members to fit the circumstance on the fly, or, have the teams pre-built for quick activation.
Some systems have the ability to ask questions such as, "Can you respond?" and "What is your ETA?" allowing for feedback through the telephone touch-tone keypad, or through email or SMS. All of this activity is captured in a database for real-time or after-the-fact reporting.
Notification technology is certainly a useful means for alerting citizens in danger (perhaps the first thing to come to mind when considering these systems). However, it can also be a valuable tool for mobilizing citizens--a powerfully positive force during disasters such as the one experienced across the Southeast this week.
Here's a personal "thank you" to the many dedicated emergency personnel who have helped during this tragedy. Also, here's a big shout out to the average men and women who have shown what it means to be real "citizens."
All the best,
Lorin
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Volunteer Mobilization--Thoughts from a Disaster Area
The extensive flooding last weekend in our area of Nashville, TN has been devastating in terms of life and property. Weekend storms dumped an unprecedented thirteen inches of rain in just 48 hours. Nineteen deaths have been reported from the storm so far in Tennessee. Untold millions of dollars in property damage has accrued (most involving people with no flood insurance as they were not in a historical flood plain). On the plus side, emergency managers, first responders, utility workers, political leaders and others have been highly praised for their heroic efforts and untiring service in the response and recovery process.
Another group has also emerged during this crisis that we believe deserves praise and consideration--citizen volunteers. As we've been involved in our hometown's cleanup efforts, we've been humbled and amazed at the turnout of ordinary people helping fellow neighbors in difficult times. We've also seen trained volunteers, people who serve on various public safety organizations and committees, rise to the occasion as key support to the professional responders.
How does this relate to alerts and warnings?
Many times, we think of notification technology as strictly a tool for disseminating information to a large group of citizens in harm's way (evacuations, boil water notices, etc.). This is certainly a fantastic use of the tool. However, we should not forget the technology is also valuable for MOBILIZING citizens, potentially key partners in any large-scale response effort.
LAFD as an Example
Ron Corona, of the Los Angeles Fire Department, agrees. He says LAFD stands ready to use their notification system for calling up any number of volunteer groups. One set of groups is the city's Crisis Response Teams. These teams include a wide variety of professionals who have unique skills needed in a crisis (grief counselors, medical practitioners, construction/demolition experts, etc.). They also use the system to bring together their Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT)--civilians trained in disciplines such as urban search and rescue, mass casualties, etc.
Even in non-critical, planned events such as festivals and concerts, the system is used for locating people with needed skills not necessarily on the government payroll.
How They Work
In general, these systems allow you to capture volunteer contact information (multiple devices) and collect customizable information on skill sets (training certifications, competencies, etc.). Through proper querying, you can select appropriate team members to fit the circumstance on the fly, or, have the teams pre-built for quick activation.
Some systems have the ability to ask questions such as, "Can you respond?" and "What is your ETA?" allowing for feedback through the telephone touch-tone keypad, or through email or SMS. All of this activity is captured in a database for real-time or after-the-fact reporting.
Notification technology is certainly a useful means for alerting citizens in danger (perhaps the first thing to come to mind when considering these systems). However, it can also be a valuable tool for mobilizing citizens--a powerfully positive force during disasters such as the one experienced across the Southeast this week.
Here's a personal "thank you" to the many dedicated emergency personnel who have helped during this tragedy. Also, here's a big shout out to the average men and women who have shown what it means to be real "citizens."
All the best,
Lorin
Another group has also emerged during this crisis that we believe deserves praise and consideration--citizen volunteers. As we've been involved in our hometown's cleanup efforts, we've been humbled and amazed at the turnout of ordinary people helping fellow neighbors in difficult times. We've also seen trained volunteers, people who serve on various public safety organizations and committees, rise to the occasion as key support to the professional responders.
How does this relate to alerts and warnings?
Many times, we think of notification technology as strictly a tool for disseminating information to a large group of citizens in harm's way (evacuations, boil water notices, etc.). This is certainly a fantastic use of the tool. However, we should not forget the technology is also valuable for MOBILIZING citizens, potentially key partners in any large-scale response effort.
LAFD as an Example
Ron Corona, of the Los Angeles Fire Department, agrees. He says LAFD stands ready to use their notification system for calling up any number of volunteer groups. One set of groups is the city's Crisis Response Teams. These teams include a wide variety of professionals who have unique skills needed in a crisis (grief counselors, medical practitioners, construction/demolition experts, etc.). They also use the system to bring together their Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT)--civilians trained in disciplines such as urban search and rescue, mass casualties, etc.
Even in non-critical, planned events such as festivals and concerts, the system is used for locating people with needed skills not necessarily on the government payroll.
How They Work
In general, these systems allow you to capture volunteer contact information (multiple devices) and collect customizable information on skill sets (training certifications, competencies, etc.). Through proper querying, you can select appropriate team members to fit the circumstance on the fly, or, have the teams pre-built for quick activation.
Some systems have the ability to ask questions such as, "Can you respond?" and "What is your ETA?" allowing for feedback through the telephone touch-tone keypad, or through email or SMS. All of this activity is captured in a database for real-time or after-the-fact reporting.
Notification technology is certainly a useful means for alerting citizens in danger (perhaps the first thing to come to mind when considering these systems). However, it can also be a valuable tool for mobilizing citizens--a powerfully positive force during disasters such as the one experienced across the Southeast this week.
Here's a personal "thank you" to the many dedicated emergency personnel who have helped during this tragedy. Also, here's a big shout out to the average men and women who have shown what it means to be real "citizens."
All the best,
Lorin
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)