Abstract: While creating a community hazard mitigation plan (HMP) has become recognized as a key component of successful disaster management, significant portions of the process are often inaccessible to people with vision disabilities. Maps in particular are often large, visually dense documents that are printed on two-dimensional paper, or distributed via PDF with no alternate text. For people with profound low vision or who are blind, alternative media is required. The research discussed here proposes that tactile maps may present an accessible and cost-effective medium for representing geospatial data relevant to the hazard mitigation planning process. Using flood insurance rate maps (FIRMs) distributed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as a starting point, this paper proposes an evaluatory framework for transcribing conventional maps into tactile documents, as well as characterizing users' experiences using them for mitigation planning, directions for future research and generalizing the process for applications in other domains.

Abstract: Technology undeniably plays an important role in supporting crisis managers to respond to crisis. However, when improperly designed or used, technology can be ineffective or even be detrimental to the crisis response. Therefore, in this paper we bring together insights from the scientific literature and identify 5 principles for the design and use of technology to aid crisis managers effectively. These principles might seem trivial but there are several examples of technology used in practice that show the opposite. To illustrate this, we use as a case study the Dutch nation-wide crisis management system LCMS which is used in the Netherlands by all safety regions and other public organizations to maintain and share a common operational picture supporting large-scale crisis management collaboration. We explain why crisis evaluations and research time and again show that LCMS has failed to add value for crisis managers during crisis by using the identified principles.

Abstract: In case of sudden and extreme life-threatening situation, the most efficient system fulfils the requirement of mobile phone emergency alerting information services. But how much information and what type of content must be used in a textual message, and how adapt this alert to a large audience and diversified contexts? This paper proposes to address this challenge, 1) by presenting results obtained in France during simulated “alerting days”, with sampling revealing the perception and understanding of SMS and CB by a non-specialized audience (161 respondents), and 2) by comparing findings obtained in different contexts (students and teaching staff in a university, crisis managers and stakeholders in an industrial context, citizens working near high-risky areas). Even if reactions to an alert are individual, similar patterns emerge, suggesting that standardized and non-random needs exist.

Abstract: Building construction and building layout represent two key critical pieces of information for a fire suppression operation. However, fireground incident commanders (FGCs) frequently do not have access to critical, updated information about a structure, including details that could potentially support more effective response. This gap in the information pipeline has led to significant injuries and fatalities for both civilians and first responders. Towards this end, this paper focuses on evaluating the efficacy of a user interface prototype for supporting decision-making during a simulated commercial structure fire. Sixty-four firefighters (n = 64) from North America participated in this study. Overall, there were no statistical differences in the performance of the firefighters between the two experimental conditions (2D vs. 3D). This study provides preliminary support for the use of 3D models in pre-incident planning practices. More importantly, this initial data serves as a baseline for the development of evidence-based standards for displaying pre-incident planning information to FGCs digitally.

Abstract: A wide range of disaster apps are currently available on various app stores, however few existing disaster apps address the issue of CBRNe (chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive) threats. The unique ways in which citizens prepare for and respond to CBRNe incidents merit that such an app exist. But citizens are not a homogenous group, and therefore the concept of universal design will be implemented when filling this gap. The EU H2020 PROACTIVE project will address this by co-creating together with citizens, including vulnerable groups, a disaster app able to be used during CBRNe incidents. This article lays out the methodology X will employ in order to create and validate the disaster app and states some core requirements already co-developed

Abstract: This paper takes on the challenge of designing situational awareness information systems that take into account not only the prevalence of so-called demons of situational awareness, but also situational disabilities that will typically occur in a disaster situation, both in the control room and in the field among the general public as well as first responders. It further outlines how a situational awareness information system process model can be adapted and used as a basis for designing situational awareness information support systems that address these issues with the help of Universal Design principles.