It might be easy to assume that in the face of disaster, communities and their governments will be quick to react, respond, and repair or recover what was lost. And while many of us would hope for a swift, effective response post-disaster, this is usually not the case, as there are a number of factors that get in the way.
Since nobody can predict disasters – or their outcomes – it might feel impossible to comprehensively prepare for an effective response. But, by relying on existing data, learning from example, and remaining thorough in our approach to preparedness planning, we can begin to identify some of the most critical priorities to consider in the wake of disaster.
In the wake of disaster, where should we focus?
This is a question that most leaders, government agencies, and response organizations find themselves asking when creating or revising their preparedness or response plans. Determining top priorities likely looks different for every country and community, since no two nations look alike. There are, however, a few priorities that nearly all nations should consider during the response planning process.
As experts in the disaster preparedness and response space, we’re constantly considering the pressing needs and priorities that make themselves known in the wake of recent weather events and disasters. By identifying what we believe to be a few of the most critical areas of concern for post-disaster response, the Prometheus team aims to help nations – and response groups – prioritize valuable, effective response tactics throughout their preparedness plans.
Post-Disaster Priority: Temporary Housing
When looking back at urgent needs following catastrophic events – like Haiti’s 2010 earthquake, hurricane Katrina, etc. – you’ll notice a consistent need for temporary housing for displaced citizens, visitors, and response teams. When homes and infrastructure – like hospitals and shelters – are destroyed, the urgent need for temporary housing is evident.
Thousands of FEMA trailers cover the landscape of Purvis, Miss. Greg Jensen, The (Jackson, Miss.) Clarion-Ledger
Haiti after the 2010 earthquake. Image via Flickr user: United Nations Development Programme, lincensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
Unfortunately, the answer isn’t always as easy as temporarily relocating displaced citizens, and setting up large-scale shelter areas can be a challenge. Based on our studies of temporary housing solutions, we’ve identified a few critical criteria to consider when focusing on plans for providing shelter post-disaster.
The Three Phases of Post-Disaster Housing
Before digging deeper into optimal temporary housing solutions, it’s important to consider the criteria for effective post-disaster housing equipment. By understanding these needs and identifying solutions for each of them, nations can equip themselves for short- and long-term responses.
It is clear that there is a need for low-cost, easily transportable, and well-designed temporary housing in the days, weeks, months, and even years following disaster. But there are also a few challenges to consider:
- Most current temporary housing options address some, but not all, needs. Prioritizing safety, affordability, accessibility, flexibility, and mental health is difficult.
- Temporary housing is most effective when located near original housing to allow for direct involvement during the reconstruction process, though construction hazards and rebuilding efforts often make this a challenge.
- The cost of temporary housing should be considered, as it dictates how much and how quickly nations can provide to citizens following an event. Flexible low-cost options are needed in the event that displacement numbers are more than expected, etc.*
*Source: A Review of Temporary Housing Management Modeling: Trends in Design Strategies, Optimization Models, and Decision-Making Methods by Daniel Perrucci and Hiba Baroud
Currently, most temporary housing solutions resemble tents, retrofitted cargo containers, mobile homes, or pods. Unfortunately, none of these are viable long-term solutions as they don’t meet all basic human needs for extended displacement. While a safe, clean, dry place to stay seems like an acceptable temporary housing solution, it neglects to fulfill a number of other needs, especially mental health.
Morale & Mental Health Post-Disaster
A person’s wellbeing is impacted by their environment. In general, morale is low during the days and weeks following a disaster. And for displaced citizens, this is even more true. When faced with the loss of loved ones, the loss of their home, or total devastation in their community, the weight of these concerns can be crippling.
Tarp shelters after the 2015 earthquake in Nepal. Image via Flickr user: United Nations Development Programme, lincensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
For some, temporary housing provides a temporary source of safety, warmth, or security, but should also enable citizens to find mental stability and a deeper sense of comfort. If we can achieve this, we can contribute to boosted morale and increased mental health, reducing the overall weight on citizens following these traumatic events.
When it comes to temporary housing, an example of this type of enablement may be as simple as incorporating solar panels in the design to allow for device charging, aiding in communication with loved ones. Adding exercise equipment or a gym space is another idea to allow displaced citizens a place to channel their energy or find a healthy routine. In addition, incorporating community kitchens, common areas, or activity rooms allows for a sense of community and support. Regardless of how it’s done, temporary housing solutions – and all of the intricacies they bring – should be carefully considered during the planning phase.
Post-Disaster Priority: Communication
Communication is key, and that is especially true immediately following a disaster. Though this component of response plans needs consistent updating as technology grows and adapts, so must our approach to effective communication in the wake of an event.
Many natural disasters directly impact our communications infrastructure. Whether partially damaged, downed, or destroyed all together, the fact of the matter is we cannot be as effective as possible without accessible functioning communication methods.
In theory, most methods of communication can be adapted to function following a disaster. Social media, cell phones or landlines, two-way radios, CB and HAM radios, and police scanners might all prove valuable in helping to enable geolocated requests for assistance or response. Unless of course cell or transmission towers are damaged…
Why is communication key?
When disaster strikes and assistance or response is needed, it’s important that communication is easily accessible to help response units and governments identify urgent needs and high priority requests.
Communication is needed to assess the extent of damages, address immediate rescue or recovery needs, acknowledge potential fallout concerns, dispatch response teams, request larger assistance or aid, and so much more. Knowing that we can’t function effectively without access to communication, Prometheus aims to call attention to these needs, and inspire potential solutions.
Communication Needs Post-Disaster
When creating preparedness plans, it’s important to acknowledge the risk of disrupted or destroyed communication resources, like towers. Next, take stock of the resources available to your own citizens and nation. What alternative communication methods might be available to you should traditional methods fail?
Because communication is such an urgent need, nations will need to identify solutions that are able to be implemented quickly and effectively. How will repairs be addressed, who will address them, and how will these repairs be prioritized during the response phase? Restoring communications is often a heavy lift, but by assessing and identifying response needs, nations can better prepare themselves to get back online in the wake of disaster.
Post-Disaster Priority: 3D Mapping Assessments
The need for an inexpensive, widely-accessible mapping process is clear. Once we’re able to effectively measure and record damage to cities, and their infrastructure, we can begin to revolutionize the way we approach response tactics.
Water overflow modeling in a three-feet flood scenario | Source: PS CRIMSON
When considering 3D mapping capabilities, consider these two distinct needs:
- High-level 3D maps of cities before and after disaster
- Detailed mapping of internal and external damage to infrastructure
What can be done with information gleaned from these capabilities? They can assist governments and response teams in recording the current state, analyzing hazard zones, identifying areas of concern, and even recognizing some of the more likely areas where citizens may be trapped.
Unfortunately, most of the technology capable of doing these assessments are privately owned and operated, making them inaccessible to many. But, if we can’t tap into these private resources, what can we use?
Repurposing Existing Technology
There are currently several tools and methods capable of collecting data needed to map cities and assess infrastructure. Mapping, surveying, and geographic information system (GIS) companies have been working with this technology for years, and often focus on one distinct piece of the bigger picture. Consider the opportunities and possibility should these tools be leveraged in a way that combines or overlaps their results.
An oblique view of a lidar point cloud of Washingon, D.C. Image: Sources/Usage Public Domain. Photographer Jason Stoker, USGS
Structure-from-Motion photogrammetry of coastline Image: Sources/Usage Public Domain. Photographer Dan Buscombe, USGS
Drones, for example, are one of the more modern ways that nations are opting to gather useful information regarding their infrastructure. Since drones can capture overhead images and navigate through buildings and tight spaces, they offer a more affordable solution.
Other mapping technology includes LiDAR, photogrammetry, mobile mapping cameras, or aerial data capture. While these methods vary in affordability and accessibility, they’ve also previously made it possible for nations to gather high quality data when needed. And what if these technologies were taken advantage of as a means of preparing for disaster instead of reacting to it?
When assessing a nation’s ability to leverage powerful 3D mapping in their response efforts, it’s crucial to tap into any and all mapping resources available. While access will differ across nations, the need for accessible, comprehensive mapping technology is evident. By leveraging said technology, we can be better informed ahead of, during, and following disaster.
A Shifted Focus Could Shift Results
By focusing on some of these priorities as part of the disaster preparedness and response cycle, nations can lead by example and protect what matters most – human lives. The Prometheus team has seen firsthand the impact that these areas of focus can have on the outcome and results in the aftermath of a natural disaster or event. By promoting these concepts as priorities, we hope to help nations provide comprehensive, functional support to their communities in the hours, days, and weeks following an event.
