High-tech Tool for Disaster Rescue
Researchers at University of California as part of the Responding to Crisis and Unexpected Events (RESCUE) project are involved in developing a high tech tool that would transform how communities and first responders plan for and respond to both natural and man-made disasters. This involves turning new technologies and cutting-edge research into practical tools for emergency planners and responders. Funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), RESCUE's goal is to dramatically improve the ability of emergency responders to gather, process, and disseminate information with each other and the general public. Led by the University of California, Irvine, RESCUE brings together researchers from around the country who work in a variety of academic fields that bring a unique perspective to understanding disaster responses. By bringing experts from these various disciplines together with first responders and community leaders, RESCUE is able to bring the best ideas and technologies from academic research and make them available to the people who need them most. To meet this challenge, the scientists provided risk communication models and insight into how humans perceive and react to risk communications. Engineers helped the team understand how tools like early warning systems could impact evacuation routes and other concerns. The result has been new approaches to risk communication that are being put into practice. This multidisciplinary alliance tool allows to explore the problem of risk communication holistically instead of simply as a technology problem. Another tool being developed by RESCUE researchers is a complex disaster simulation platform called MetaSim. This computer system allows researchers to merge different types of simulations at once in order to both provide planners with a more accurate picture of what conditions may be like during and after a disaster. It also provides researchers with a way to test and validate how new technology concepts could help a response effort. RESCUE has participated in several emergency preparedness drills with local responders to analyze how effective the potential response is and to find ways their expertise can help emergency personnel. These drills and exercises have already produced useful new tools and insights that will be put into place in the event of a disaster. For further details, contact: Sharad Mehrotra, University of California-Irvine Tel: (949) 824-4768 E-mail: sharad@ics.uci.edu
Sector: Disaster Management and Mitigation
Country: India
Area of Application: Disaster Management
Keywords: High-tech tool for rescue
Advantages: 1. Effective, holistic disaster management services through a multi-disciplinary approach
Environmental aspects: Not Applicable
Development Status: Laboratory Model
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Transfer Terms: Consultancy , Others
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Contact Person: UN-ESCAP/APCTT
Address: C-2 Qutab Institutional Area
City: New Delhi
Country: India
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