Title :
Mobility of a Disaster Recover Communication System
Author :
Sobanski, Edward ; Nicolai, Barbara
Author_Institution :
Purdue Univ. Calumet, Hammond, IN, USA
fDate :
Oct. 30 2011-Nov. 1 2011
Abstract :
What is the best platform to build a Disaster Management Communication System (DMCS)? There is a need to investigate how to best use a DMCS. The two most important uses of a DMCS for any size disaster, is the need for information and getting relief to those that need it. The DMCS needs to collect information from the people affected by the disaster so it can then be used to help organize relief efforts and services. The second best source of information comes from the police, the fire department, the emergency medical personal, hospitals and volunteers working at the disaster sites to help those in need. These first responders can communicate the needs of people that are not able to communicate their needs right away. The DMCS can then store collected information from all sources. The information can then be used to request and coordinate services and supplies, as quickly as possible, for the people in need after a disaster. The DMCS needs to be accessible to many people in various locations at a moment notice. The DMCS needs to be mobile, in today´s life of mobile phone applications and web applications that can be accessed anywhere there is web access or a cell connection, the DMCS application needs to use this resource. Why is a web application or even a mobile application better then a client server application or even a paper filing system? The answer to this question is the accessibility of the data for analysis. With quick analysis, relief efforts can be accurately coordinated for a quick response of the needed equipment, services and supplies to help those in need. A quick and accurate response to a disaster can help save many lives. The other benefit of the DMCS system is the capacity of a system to store the information for future analysis in the preparation of disaster relief. Preparation for a disaster is just as important as to how a group reacts to the aftermath of a disaster. Every disaster is different, but by collecting data from past disasters an- analyzing the information a pattern of needs can be developed so services and goods can be collected and prepared for the readiness of the next disaster. This paper will compare and contrast the differences that can be found in an internet application, client server application, mobile app and the paper method used in the past. Once identified, the pros and cons of each delivery method can be compared to find which of the delivery methods can best fit the need for a quick and accurate system that can coordinate between different organizations and locations that are used during a disaster. This paper will also look at the benefits of having a system that can help prepare and organize the relief effort of any natural or manmade disaster.
Keywords :
data analysis; disasters; mobile handsets; mobility management (mobile radio); DMCS; client server; data analysis; disaster management communication system; mobile phone; paper filing system; responders; Government; Mobile communication; Monte Carlo methods; Personnel; Planning; Transportation;
Conference_Titel :
Global Humanitarian Technology Conference (GHTC), 2011 IEEE
Conference_Location :
Seattle, WA
Print_ISBN :
978-1-61284-634-7
Electronic_ISBN :
978-0-7695-4595-0
DOI :
10.1109/GHTC.2011.50