JOURNAL: Web-based Networks for Disaster Response

Here's the problem. When a disaster strikes, widespread distribution of granular/real-time information on the unfolding event can reduce the public's panic/fear and improve the community's recovery -- as in, solid/well-informed decision making at the individual level is beneficial to fast recovery and public participation in the process can increase information flow and provide real-time feedback on first responder successes/failures. Unfortunately, the public traditionally doesn't get this detailed information. To the extent that this information exists, it has been reserved for the government's first responders. In contrast, communications with the general public, either through official pronouncements or the mass media, are usually tardy and typically only provide high-level/generalized coverage.

Fortunately, we are slowly starting to see a shift. New technologies and approaches have made it possible to bring the public into the loop. To illustrate this, blogger Robert Paterson has a two part series on how a small Public TV/Radio station (KPBS) in San Diego, used creativity and some Web technologies (Google maps and Twitter) to become the epicenter of the community's response to the recent wild-fire disaster.

• Part 1 is focused on the use of technology. Note the use of Twitter's text messaging system to connect cell phones to the Web for real-time updates and alerts on the fire's status. Note also the value of Google maps that detail the fire's progress and evacuation centers (as well as the ability of the community to add visual detail to the map through the addition of pictures).
• Part 2 details the changes in the station's culture that allowed them to respond effectively.

Comments

[Duncan Kinder]

Ham radio has been doing this for about 80 years now.

[Marty Heyman]

John, and Duncan,

Ham Radio is generally used as the flip side of this. We hams often provide information to the central emergency team and limited information back to the community. We're "not allowed" to report for broadcast et al so some of this is outside our authorized realm. However, Amateur Radio is much more resilient, proved a key part of that catastrophe, and demonstrates a bottom-up approach to a web of colleagues that could certainly augment efforts like this if someone rubbed two neurons together.

[Duncan Kinder]

For more info, including Internet links, about amateur radio emergency communications, goto:
http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/emergency/

blur:

Emergency Communications "Q&A"

How can I listen to Amateur Radio Transmissions?

The radios that Amateurs use to communicate are not inexpensive, largely because they transmit as well as receive. Fortunately, receive-only radios, such as those in your car, are much less expensive. The radio in your car can't tune the ham bands, but receive-only radios that are capable of listening to ham transmissions are affordable. The type of radio you need depends on how far apart the transmitting stations are.

What are Shortwave Radios?

Amateurs use what are called high frequencies (HF) to communicate over long distances. HF is used for wide-area operations, such as the Hurricane Watch Net. The international broadcasters (BBC, Voice of America, Deutsche Welle) that you can receive on shortwave radios use other parts of the same frequency range.

Properly equipped shortwave radios can play ham transmissions. You should make sure the radio you choose is equipped to receive single sideband (SSB). Amateurs use SSB instead of AM because it takes up less space, and more stations can fit in the band.

What are Scanners good for during an emergency?

In order to communicate locally, Amateurs use what are called very high and ultra high frequencies. The most widely known occupants of the VHF/UHF bands are broadcast TV and radio stations. Business, public safety, and Amateur operation also takes place there, and these types of signals may be detected by scanners.

Scanners can be programmed to stay on one frequency to monitor Amateur use. You should make sure that the scanner you buy covers 144-148 MHz and 440-450 MHz in order to monitor the most widely used Amateur frequencies.

Where do I tune?

The frequencies used vary among events, situations, and localities. The Hurricane Watch Net is probably the most widely followed HF operation. It meets on 14325 kHz upper sideband during the day, sometimes moving to 3950 kHz lower sideband at night.

Most statewide operations are conducted between 3900 and 4000 kHz lower sideband on HF. Most local operations are between 145 and 148 MHz on VHF. Your ARRL Section Manager can also help you find the appropriate frequencies in your area.

I'm a broadcaster. Can I retransmit this stuff?

The answer, under 47 CFR 73.1207 (c)(3) is yes. While Amateur Radio can't be actively used for broadcast news gathering purposes, except in very specific circumstances, it can be passively used. Additional information can be found in the backgrounder article News Gathering and Amateur Radio on the Public Relations page or by contacting
Allen Pitts, W1AGP
Media and Public Relations Manager
(860) 594-0328
apitts@arrl.org

Above information provided by Steve Ewald, WV1X.

:end_of_blurb

[deichmans]

John, I believe Mr. Paterson was a participant in the "STRONG ANGEL 3" Humanitarian Response Exercise in San Diego about 18 months ago ( http://strongangel3.com/ ). That exercise was examining the same topic: Web 2.0 collaboration in the midst of an escalating crisis, and the ability of current information architectures to sustain the bandwidth load. Immediately after KATRINA, relief efforts were confounded by (a) a lack of working communications infrastructure [most cell tower power supplies were flooded], and (b) a shortage of First Responders available to work.