New technologies and disaster information resources Ocho Rios, Jamaica February 2003

Why this module? Understand why and how disaster managers can integrate the use of the Internet and other technologies into their information and communications strategies.

Objetives Learn about the impact of new information technologies on our everyday work. Promote a culture of efficient use of information services. Evaluate what gives value added to disaster information. Participate in a practical exercise to create and promote information in electronic format.

New technologies and disaster information resources Part 1. The impact on disaster managers

Can we agree that... ? The Internet is not simply a passing fancy... It has changed, and will continue to change, the way we work. The train is leaving the station …. All aboard!

How has the Internet changed our lives?

The progression of Internet use in disaster management in the Americas 1995 The first projects exclusively designed to promote a culture of Internet use.

Objetives Improve horizontal comunication. Provide local access to global sources of information.

Obstacles Political and regulatory monopolies Lack of telephone lines and equipment Much-needed support and hand- holding The issue of language

1995 Listservs and the WWW 1996

Discussion group among Caribbean disaster managers Internet distribution list

Internet Meeting Bogota, Colombia

Where recommendations included …. Allowing unfettered exchange of information Including the topic on conference agendas! Closing the gap between the haves and have-nots

Hurricanes Georges and Mitch

Hurricanes Georges and Mitch were the first Internet-intensive disasters

Venezuela

Information-based decision making

For any Ministry, agency or organization, disasters cause C H A O S !

The climate during disasters On the plus side Solidarity Anything is possible! On the negative side More political than medical Competitive rather than collaborative More emotional than pragmatic

Where are we headed? The democratization of information

INFORMATION Twenty years ago... Whoever had the information had power !

Mass media The public The affected country Donors Today... Power lies in disseminating information

Twenty years ago... Usually, information originated from one single source

Today... Information comes from all over !

In summary...

Source: Internet World Stats, 2003 We must close the digital divide

Growth is tremendous, but the digital divide remains...

The Internet is used for many purposes...

... Time is our scarcest resource! Why dont we make more use of available information? Today, information is not our scarcest resource...

Too little time + Too much information = expectations that cannot be met

Unmet expectations = LOST TIME Lost time = LOST CLIENTS

We used to talk about the information have-nots... N ow we talk about the information can nots

In summary... The digital divide is closing Use of the Internet in disaster management contributes to transparency

In summary... The digital divide is closing Use of the Internet in disaster management contributes to transparency Those who adopt a non-restrictive, open policy regarding Internet communication and dissemination of information will have the last word!