If you’re a firefighter, you need a hose. If you’re a surgeon, a scalpel. As NetHope prepares to help assess and respond to the devastation of Hurricane Dorian, we need a full complement of digital tools to aid the work in emergency situations.
NetHope’s recent Disaster Response Training (DRT) in Templeton, California, showcased that technical power. This event preceded September’s National Emergency Preparedness Month, focused on ensuring “Prepared, Not Scared.” The workshops trained participants on emergency field connectivity. They also highlighted the role technology, both digital and otherwise, plays in emergency response.
Digital technology took center stage at the training as participants were “deployed” in a simulated earthquake to install mobile internet communication hubs. The simulation exercise (simex) brought together talented individuals and tech partners from Amazon Web Services, Facebook, Spatial Networks, and Google, as well as from our member organization, Team Rubicon. Other technologies included Cisco Meraki, Ericsson, Emergency.lu, and X2nSat VSAT equipment, and other associated gear to support and connect the network. It also included a variety of tools, from apps and software to equipment and hardware—even a shelter—that allow these teams to successfully provide connectivity that is secure, documented, and reliable. Responding to disasters and other emergencies requires dedicated and expert teams. Technology resources, though, are the underpinning wings that carry disaster missions in the twenty-first century.
One critical element for those setting up networks is having the means to document their work in the field, often under difficult circumstances. Setting up networks is only part of the puzzle; teams must also document what was involved and accurately relay that information amongst team members.
Nethope uses Fulcrum for disaster recovery efforts
Fulcrum is a mobile data collection application and web platform for smartphones that allows users to design their own forms and capture information, even in disconnected environments. Users can synchronize and share this information with team members once connectivity is re-established. With an intuitive drag-and-drop designer interface, Fulcrum enables teams setting up connectivity to log installation site details. They can provide specific information helpful to others during the recovery process. Teams can also access several different forms in one platform, saving time and lives in critical moments.
“We’ve designed it to be very intuitive to allow people to be agile and flexible in their data collection workflows without the need for advanced skill sets,” says Joe Larson, Fulcrum’s professional services engineer. Joe facilitated a part of the workshop and was pleased that participants could use the product as an evaluation tool. After collating and analyzing this information, facilitators will make it available to course leaders. Participants can also rate and comment on the training modules, creating a 360-feedback loop.
High-tech shelters
Technology also comes into play with the shelter provided to the participants. State-of-the-art tent shelters were provided by Shiftpod for the simex. Originally created for the Burning Man festival, Shiftpod uses advanced insulating, heat-reflective materials. The shelter is quick to set up and withstands harsh conditions. Simex participants used Shiftpods to stay cool in central California’s 95-degree heat.
These tools for installing, tracking, and maintaining connectivity in the field form NetHope’s communication technology arsenal. They keep our members connected during emergencies and often benefit the affected communities. While communication is key to aid, many tools are needed to make it happen. We thank our partners, vendors, and other organizations that are part of our DRT. Their support helps keep our connectivity teams up and running during real-life emergency responses.