Emergency Online Communities: Building Social Networks to Help the Disadvantaged During Disaster Recovery

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Online social networks could help with communications and recovery for people with disabilities following major natural disasters, or even terrorist attack, according to a research paper in the International Journal of Emergency Management.

In the wake of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, other natural disasters, and even technological emergencies it has become obvious that there is a serious need for disaster and emergency preparedness for people with disabilities. Following Katrina and Rita there was inadequate access to medical equipment, medicines, accessible communication media, assistive technologies, personal assistance, and even shelter.

The aftermath of recent major earthquakes in Chile, China, and Haiti reinforce the global perspective on this issue. Emergencies and hazard events pose not only physical and material problems for people with disabilities but can have significant psychological impact on vulnerable populations. As such, they require effective communication networks and infrastructure to mitigate disruption to social environments.

antone braga

March 23, 2010 at 1:16 am

When it comes to our property, what do we expect in case of loss (hurricane, tornado, earthquake, flood, fire, etc.)? The disaster itself is news. What happens after the dust settles is the story: the aftermath shock. Here is something the public should know: with a little curiosity you can mitigate that shock.

Insurance policyholders/disaster survivors, need to be informed of access to basic rights and information–equality. The internet reaches far more people than anyone would have ever imagined, though difficult to gather those willing to pause, to inspect, to further…to think on their own. And yet, much is available gratis! It just takes looking: http://www.disasterprepared.net/info.html

antone braga
March 23, 2010 at 1:16 am
When it comes to our property, what do we expect in case of loss (hurricane, tornado, earthquake, flood, fire, etc.)? The disaster itself is news. What happens after the dust settles is the story: the aftermath shock. Here is something the public should know: with a little curiosity you can mitigate that shock.

Insurance policyholders/disaster survivors, need to be informed of access to basic rights and information–equality. The internet reaches far more people than anyone would have ever imagined, though difficult to gather those willing to pause, to inspect, to further…to think on their own. And yet, much is available gratis! It just takes looking: http://www.disasterprepared.net/info.html