5 Essential Technologies Used in Emergency Management
- Cloud Computing
- Geographical Information Systems
- Artificial Intelligence
- Internet of Things
- Blockchain
Emergency management relies on many key technologies for efficiency, information exchange, and communications. Some of these technologies have been around for a while, but others are new and specifically developed for use in emergency management. Anyone who works in emergency management should keep up with these five key technologies and how they are used.
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1. Cloud Computing
Cloud computing is a key technology in emergency management. Every individual, business, gathering place and government needs to have a disaster plan in place. Continuity of operations is an important part of a disaster plan. In a disaster, people may attempt to make calls in order to locate loved ones. Cloud computing could allow SMS messages to go through. A cloud computing setup would also create a backup for essential documents and resources such as the locations of bottled water and first aid supplies that rescue workers need in the field.
2. Geographical Information Systems
Geographical information systems (GIS) are a set of hardware and software for storing, retrieving, mapping and analyzing geographic data. In emergency management, this information would be helpful for planning evacuations, rescue efforts, supply delivery, and other essential activities. GIS can also be used for resource management and asset tracking. For example, a community may only have access to one specialty excavator for digging through collapsed buildings after an earthquake. With GIS, emergency managers will know where that piece of equipment is and will be able to plan the best route to get it to the next location where it is needed.
3. Artificial Intelligence
When preparing for a natural or man-made disaster, artificial intelligence is a key technology for emergency management. According to Harvard University, artificial intelligence can be used to put a digital fingerprint on every city. The system can then monitor the effects of an acute event such as a flood or an ongoing event such as climate change. Artificial intelligence can predict the types, scope, and impact of damage caused by different types of natural disasters, which helps with preparedness planning.
4. Internet of Things
The Internet of Things consists of all of the devices and objects that can connect to the internet. For emergency management workers, the Internet of Things could be an essential technology for locating and rescuing people. It could also be helpful in determining the location and types of damage in a natural disaster. The Internet of Things currently includes smart thermostats, smart watches, tablets, security systems, streaming devices and more. Most households have at least one connected item that is a part of the Internet of Things.
5. Blockchain
Blockchain is still an emerging technology. However, it is a key one for emergency management workers to watch. It functions as an immutable digital ledger for transparency of transactions. All transactions go through a cryptography service for the protection of sensitive information. When multiple agencies are contributing to restoration efforts after a disaster, blockchain could be used in order to increase efficiency and avoid duplication of work. Blockchain could be used to track contributions, how they are allocated and who made them.
Some training may be required for emergency management workers so that they can make full use of these technologies. It is also important to keep in mind that technologies change. Each person who works in emergency management should dedicate some time to keeping up with upgrades and changes to these five leading technologies for emergency management services and personnel.