Continuation:
The new Response Management Information System (RIMS) worked in a way that was unprecedented. Essential data was successfully entered and quickly shared with a wide group of agencies - a first ever of such magnitude. This computer-based system used Standardized
The new Response Management Information System (RIMS) worked in a way that was unprecedented. Essential data was successfully entered and quickly shared with a wide group of agencies - a first ever of such magnitude. This computer-based system used Standardized
Emergency Management System (SEMS) forms and put then on the computers in scores of locations. Critical data could be replicated as needed, either on-line or remotely using LAN, WAN or Modem connections. It did the job it was designed to do, and did it well. Yes, there were areas that needed to be improved, but for a new system that was still being implemented when the floods burst into a full disaster, it worked better than expected.
Another form of new-age information was that of Internet Web pages. While these were not without problems, there were many successes. Web sites that went public, while a vital operational and information tool, frequently became overloaded. For example, a Web site used by city officials for the interchange of vital information between themselves, quickly became overwhelmed when it was opened to the public. It had not been designed for that massive volume of callers. To solve that problem they had to use multiple servers to spread out the load, along with selective protocol addresses. Yet, even so, it was a valuable information source for city citizens and their friends around the country.
At the 1997 Emergency Response Institute, Sacramento, CA. in May, interesting uses of wired digital systems for flood response were detailed by those in from the front lines. Things like voice override on Cable TV, and Automated Phone Dialers. Phone Dialers usually do not need an appliance to be turned on by the user, as does a radio or television set. As long as the phone system is operative a jurisdiction can use an automated dialer to phone residents with a situation alert so long as anyone is at home to answer the phone. The City of Roseville did that for those in potential flood areas.
Continues next week.
Another form of new-age information was that of Internet Web pages. While these were not without problems, there were many successes. Web sites that went public, while a vital operational and information tool, frequently became overloaded. For example, a Web site used by city officials for the interchange of vital information between themselves, quickly became overwhelmed when it was opened to the public. It had not been designed for that massive volume of callers. To solve that problem they had to use multiple servers to spread out the load, along with selective protocol addresses. Yet, even so, it was a valuable information source for city citizens and their friends around the country.
At the 1997 Emergency Response Institute, Sacramento, CA. in May, interesting uses of wired digital systems for flood response were detailed by those in from the front lines. Things like voice override on Cable TV, and Automated Phone Dialers. Phone Dialers usually do not need an appliance to be turned on by the user, as does a radio or television set. As long as the phone system is operative a jurisdiction can use an automated dialer to phone residents with a situation alert so long as anyone is at home to answer the phone. The City of Roseville did that for those in potential flood areas.
Continues next week.
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