Assessing a need for a one-stop shop disaster management mobile application by identifying the perceptions and utilization of current disaster preparedness resources in southern Louisiana

The purpose of this sequential explanatory mixed method study was to assess the need for a “one-stop shop” disaster management mobile application. This was done by identifying the perceptions and utilization of current disaster preparedness resources in the southern region of the United States. The perceptions and utilization levels were measured by obtaining statistical, quantitative results from the Leingang Disaster Preparedness and Utilization survey. Individuals at four universities in the Southern disaster prone area of Louisiana were surveyed. The survey yielded a preparedness score for each survey participant. The preparedness score was achieved based on subsequent scores in three categories: knowledge, usage, and technology. Knowledge was defined as simply knowing about that the preparedness resource available. Usage was defined as participants knowing that the resources existed and whether they chose to use it or not. Technology was identified as any medium the participant used to assist in their hurricane preparedness efforts. This included anything from printed resources to mobile applications. Respondents that identified they were available for more in-depth interviews that had the highest and lowest scores at each institution were contacted to further explore their survey results. The availability of a “one-stop shop” disaster management mobile application that is utilized before, during, and after a disaster would allow Louisiana residents to have one place to access the various emergency preparedness resources that are available for them. This study found that residents would be interested in utilizing a “one-stop shop” mobile application during disasters and therefore the researcher recommend modifying current disaster management mobile applications in order to meet this need

Spartan Daily, February 25, 1987

Volume 88, Issue 20https://scholarworks.sjsu.edu/spartandaily/7546/thumbnail.jp

Spartan Daily, January 11, 1974

Volume 61, Issue 58https://scholarworks.sjsu.edu/spartandaily/5818/thumbnail.jp

Emergency Preparedness and Response: Examining Rural Hospitals (RHs) Communication Systems Before, During, and After a Natural Disaster

Introduction: Rural Hospitals (RHs) have distinctive characteristics that constitute unparalleled challenges. One of those challenges is the ability to communicate effectively in a disaster, impacting the various effects on the affected society. Research has shown that effective emergency preparedness and response (EPR) communication is paramount when communicating informed details about emergent events. Despite the evolving complexities of communication and the technology associated with disaster communication, very few studies have successfully investigated RHs communication systems before, during, and after a natural disaster. The purpose of this study was to examine and assess RHs communication systems and to highlight the strengths, identify any gaps, areas for improvement, and best practices utilized by RHs pre/post and during a natural disaster. Findings included preparedness and response efforts. Methods: 24 semi-structured interviews were conducted with RH leaders, which comprised 12 females and 12 males with expertise and knowledge in emergency preparedness and disaster communications. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Crisis and Emergency Risk Communication (CERC) Model was applied to examine RHs disaster communication systems and participants\u27 knowledge of the communication platforms/systems used at their facility and in their community to deliver information in an emergency. Emerging themes and sub-themes were identified from the participant interviews. Rapid Qualitative Data Analysis was utilized to analyze and code the interview transcriptions. Results: Many participants reported being aware of or familiar with emergency preparedness and communication models or plans used at their hospital for disasters; however, outdated emergency operation and communication plans, platforms/systems, staffing, and funding continue to pose challenges for RHs in this area. Conclusion: The study results provide insight into the importance of RH communication and communication systems, operations, platforms, and partnerships needed during crises, natural/man-made disasters, and emergencies. Although the focus of this research was to examine “natural disaster” communication and information systems/technology in RHs, several hazards that can and have led to disasters were identified by participants that present challenges to how they prepare to communicate and respond before, during, and after a disaster or catastrophic event. Overall, these findings could serve as an outline for the implementation of enhanced communication platforms/systems, development of a standardized communication model, improved emergency operating protocols in disasters for RHs, increased funding, addressing challenges with healthcare communications, public health emergency communications in the United States, and on a national level

Transportation for an Aging Population: Promoting Mobility and Equity for Low-Income Seniors

This study explores the travel patterns, needs, and mobility problems faced by diverse low-income, inner-city older adults in Los Angeles in order to identify solutions to their mobility challenges. The study draws information from: (1) a systematic literature review of the travel patterns of older adults; (2) a review of municipal policies and services geared toward older adult mobility in six cities; (3) a quantitative analysis of the mobility patterns of older adults in California using the California Household Travel Survey; and (4) empirical work with 81 older adults residing in and around Los Angeles’ inner-city Westlake neighborhood, who participated in focus groups, interviews, and walkabouts around their neighborhood

A systematic review of the use of mobile alerting to inform the public about emergencies and the factors that influence the public response

During an emergency, it is necessary to quickly disseminate messages to the public. These communications often provide information about the emergency as well as guidance or advice aimed at ensuring the safety of the population. Successful emergency communication depends upon how rapidly and reliably a message can be disseminated, but also on how people respond to the message that they receive. To assist emergency planners tasked with developing message sets for future incidents, in this paper we report a systematic review of all studies that assessed the impact of mobile telephone alerting systems on intended and actual behaviour, to identify factors that affect their likely impact. We searched multiple databases and conferred with topic experts, resulting in a total of 22 studies which met the inclusion criteria. Our results indicate that limited data exist on how people respond to text-based warning messages and that much of the data is poor quality, indicating a need for more real-world studies

Consuming data sources to generate actionable items

Plataforma que consumeixi sensors IoT i sistemes d'alertes per a generar accions de resposta relacionades amb els sistemes d'alerta. Per a demostrar els casos d'ús possibles s'incorporaran funcions requerides per Projectes Europeus, solucions comercials i solucions compatibles amb estàndards

Assessing the Impact of a Geospatial Information System for Improving Campus Emergency Decision-Making of Novice Crisis Managers

A significant increase in campus-based emergencies warrants the investigation into emergency management information systems that serve a novice crisis decision-maker. Institutions of higher education that are not large enough to have dedicated emergency management offices generally press novice decision-makers into emergency management roles. An investigation was conducted to assess the impact of an emergency management geospatial information system on the decision performance of novice crisis managers through the use of a scenario-based simulation. A mixed method sequential explanatory method was used to collect quasi-experimental data on decision time, decision accuracy and situational awareness. Qualitative analysis was conducted through interviews with participants. Statistical results indicate the decision accuracy is positively affected by the use of an emergency management geospatial information system. Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) is non-parametric linear programming method used to identify decision-making units in a data set that are optimal in their use of single or a set of resources (inputs) in delivering a set of expected results (outputs). DEA indicated that efficiency ratios from the geospatial information system group outperform the traditional group. Geospatial information systems hold much promise in providing systems that are easy to use, promote heightened levels of situational awareness and decision support