In recent years, technology has played a major role in disaster relief, emergency response, and search and rescues missions; but with the onset of several new types of technology and increased preparedness, providing aid in the aftermath of a disaster has become quicker and more effective.
Boston College, along with many other universities across the country, has adopted a mass text message system in case of an emergency on campus. By providing BC with your cell phone number, you can receive instant text message notification from the University should there be an emergency situation at the school. If you have not already done so, you can still add your phone number to BC's emergency contact list. Just log into your Agora account, click on "Update your Addresses and Phone Numbers," and enter your number in the space provided. BC will not use your cell phone number for anything other than emergency notifications. Contrary to many of your professors' preferences, BC's Emergency Information Web page instructs students to leave their phones on vibrate during class so that they can still receive these messages and remain inside the building or classroom if necessary.
While BC is trying to prepare for emergencies, cellular provider AT&T is helping in the wake of a disaster. The wildfires currently blazing in California have forced thousands of residents to leave their homes. Many people that have fled have been unable to contact family and friends to let them know that they are OK.
In order to help the many stranded Southern California residents, AT&T recently announced that all of its WiFi hotspots throughout the area will be free for at least the next three weeks. San Diego, San Bernadino, Riverside, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, and Orange and Ventura counties will be home to more than 600 free WiFi hotspots.
AT&T is "hoping to provide families and friends with another way to stay connected - and to reconnect - throughout this difficult time," said AT&T Vice President Richard Lindner. The company is committed to providing the service for individuals who need it until the fires are under control and residents can get back on their feet, but is discouraging those who have not been affected by the fires to utilize the free WiFi on their laptops and cell phones.
Another example of the important role technology plays during natural disasters occurred in 2005. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, many government agencies were trying to help but experienced much difficulty communicating among departments.
Motorola distributed 2,500 pieces of equipment including radios, chargers, and mobile workstations throughout the area. On-site technicians established a temporary Ad-hoc wireless Internet network that used hand-held walkie-talkies as access points to receive and retransmit the signal. While traditional WiFi only has an effective radius of 150 feet, this service allowed agencies in Louisiana to access wireless broadband Internet anywhere within 30 miles of the access point. Intel established a similar wireless network called Wi-Max in Indonesia after the tsunami in 2004.
Even Google has donated its service by pointing its Google Earth satellites on Louisiana and other disaster areas to take new daily shots. Rescuers can actively check Google Earth to pinpoint the locations of stranded civilians and areas that need evaluation.
While most disasters and emergencies are hard to predict and even harder to prevent, the speed and effectiveness of the response and relief efforts can mean the difference between life and death for many victims and first responders.
With advancing disaster relief and emergency notification technologies, there is a greater chance of survival when a disaster does occur.
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