-Written by David Whittier
Technology is important in Emergency Management. It allows us to collect and collate information, build situational awareness, share information, and can help us get things done easier and more effectively.
Sometimes it’s important to remember that old school works too.
I’m talking about maps. Maps with boundaries, objectives, hazardous areas, routes, route closures, etc. Maps that allow us to take in at a glance the important geographic information that is percolating around our emergency. Big maps that you can put on the wall for all to see.
Now, I know what you’re thinking. “We have a GIS. We don’t need no paper maps.” And you may have a point. As long as you’ve got a way to display that data in a way that everyone can see it, and as long as you’re sure you will be able to access your software and your data reliably, no matter what. You may want to consider using both: have the GIS as your primary means of gathering and displaying geographic information, with a good old paper-and-talc backup.
What kind of information should you have on your maps? Here’s list of things you might want to consider (I would recommend you try putting this all on one map – use separate maps or create overlays for each type of information):
- Name of the exercise or activation
- The date and time when the map was last updated
- Incidents.
- If strike groups or task forces have been assigned specific areas of responsibility, what the delineation of those responsibilities.
- Locations of any headquarters or command posts.
- Locations of assembly areas, collection points, evacuation zones, shelter areas
- Location of any damaged areas or debris reports.
- Dispersion models for toxic materials.
- Current and projected high water mark
- Important routes, road, detours
- Location of major resources
Being able to visually represent key closures information will be critical in building situational awareness for the public and first responders, and ensuring an effective response to your emergency.
