Abstract: A novel, 'net-centric' approach to disaster management is challenging traditional forms of command and control, through technology-supported, self-directed networks of heterogeneous stakeholders including affected citizens. Citizen involvement in crisis response can strengthen the resilience of local communities, and improve the relevance and delivery of response, evidenced by increasingly important Web2.0-based platforms. While netcentric responses show promise as a principle, it remains unclear how networks can be integrated in shared response infrastructures. We draw on the concepts of 'programming' and 'switching' to suggest a different perspective by which to explore the potential and consequences of interconnected networks. Finally, we propose a research agenda that can help identify and understand switching points in disaster response, comparing a weakly formalized management structure, but strong in citizen involvement, with a strongly formalized management structure, but weak in citizen involvement. We thereby suggest how response organizations can relinquish their reliance on control and command approaches, increasing their adaptive capacity to capitalize on citizen-based information.

Abstract: As the concept of trust has found its way into the crisis management literature, many questions remain to be addressed, among which that of its integration with information technology, and its relevance for improving collaboration in a crisis management environment. We propose in this paper that a sub category of social networks, interpersonal trust networks between organisations, may have a significant influence on the management of a crisis by organizations, and that their formalization by technology can help manage such networks and prepare for potential crises. Following a review of trust in the crisis management context, we link trust's organizing properties to crisis management case studies and present our rationale for formalizing trust networks in an information system. We consider the technological artifact produced before the crisis by formalizing interpersonal, interorganizational trust relationships will constitute an element for collective sensemaking by parties involved in the management of a crisis.

Abstract: The University of Agder, Norway, has recently founded a Centre for Integrated Emergency Management (CIEM). The centre brings together a highly multi-disciplinary group of local and international researchers in technology and the social sciences. This paper presents an interdisciplinary vision for large-scale integrated emergency management that has been inspired by the transition from platform centric to Integrated Operations in the oil and gas fields, which uses remote emergency control centers collaborating virtually with local responders. The paper discusses some of the most salient research challenges for Integrated Emergency Management. © 2012 ISCRAM.

Abstract: University campuses and municipalities are currently spending large sums of money to acquire systems that allow dissemination of information in emergency situations. The majority of these are mass notification systems that first register multiple contacts for community residents (email, phone, pager, etc.) and then deliver information to those residents at the push of a button to leave a message. Motivated by the limitations of such approaches, in this work we explore the use of existing metropolitan network infrastructures to design a new Location-Based Emergency Notification Service (LENS). LENS selectively redirecting residents to safety information using existing communication channels (e.g., Web browsing over HTTP). LENS eliminates the need for registration, provides minimal interruption to users and involves a low-cost setup. We prototype LENS using off-the-shelf components and demonstrate efficiency and scalability for a 60,000 user campus environment.