Improving information access for emergency response in disasters

During disasters, many researchers highlight the efficiency of the various information techniques that are used for emergency response. However, only a few information systems consider on-site and off-site information requirements synchronously. The results achieved by the emergency responders will not be as effective as they should be, since the emergency responders cannot access necessary information. Therefore, this study proposed an approach for dealing with three problems associated with emergency situations, i.e., inadequate escape guidelines for people, incomplete geographical information for relief workers, and insufficient on-site information for disaster managers. In a simulated scenario, when serious debris flows occurred, this study tested the approach. The test results showed that the people rapidly finished self-evacuation, the relief workers effectively completed their on-site relief work, and the disaster managers successfully managed the on-site activities regarding the people and relief workers. Overall, the recommended approach improved information access for emergency response and provided a useful reference for similar applications in disaster management. Copyright Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht 2013