NH018-0006
Integrating Science and Technology with Disaster Response
Integrating Science and Technology with Disaster Response
Thursday, 10 December 2020
Poster
Abstract:
As the frequency, severity, and cost of disasters increases, new solutions and collaborations are needed to reduce risk. Many science and technology (S&T) capabilities are integrated into disaster prevention, mitigation, response, and recovery. However, more can be done to incorporate S&T capabilities into disaster response by providing critical tools and information to first responders and decision-makers. Steps can also be taken to ensure that S&T research improves over time in ways that support better decisions and preparedness for future hazards and disasters. The importance of respectful and clear communication and collaboration between the scientific research and emergency management communities is essential to ensure that S&T is used to inform decisions.
We summarize the findings of a forthcoming report by the federal interagency group, Science for Disaster Reduction, whose participants include representatives from civilian and defense agencies. First, addressing the emergency management community we describe the S&T capabilities that currently exist to aid in U.S. domestic disaster response and how these capabilities are coordinated, mobilized, funded, and integrated into disaster-management activities. The report underscores the important need for researchers to collect ephemeral data during response. Communication, training, and coordination needs to enable effective and safe research in disaster-affected areas are also highlighted. Second, we outline important considerations for scientists and engineers interested in operating within disaster-affected areas. These considerations include safety, ethics, familiarity with emergency management structures, recognizing affected-community sensitivities, and avoiding placing further burdens on impacted areas. Despite cultural differences between emergency management and scientific communities, relationships and integrated approaches are key to fully capitalizing on the use of S&T resources for disaster response.
We summarize the findings of a forthcoming report by the federal interagency group, Science for Disaster Reduction, whose participants include representatives from civilian and defense agencies. First, addressing the emergency management community we describe the S&T capabilities that currently exist to aid in U.S. domestic disaster response and how these capabilities are coordinated, mobilized, funded, and integrated into disaster-management activities. The report underscores the important need for researchers to collect ephemeral data during response. Communication, training, and coordination needs to enable effective and safe research in disaster-affected areas are also highlighted. Second, we outline important considerations for scientists and engineers interested in operating within disaster-affected areas. These considerations include safety, ethics, familiarity with emergency management structures, recognizing affected-community sensitivities, and avoiding placing further burdens on impacted areas. Despite cultural differences between emergency management and scientific communities, relationships and integrated approaches are key to fully capitalizing on the use of S&T resources for disaster response.