Related link: http://www.buzzmachine.com/index.php/2005/09/05/recovery-20-a-call-to-convene/
I only groped towards this in my post Models Predicted Katrina Devastation. But publishing consultant Jeff Jarvis has already got specific proposals under way for using net technology to do much better next time. He calls on netizens to convene via a Meetup or in connection with Web 2.0 to put together Recovery 2.0:
"The goal is to be ready — God help us — for the next disaster so people can better use the internet — via any device — to better:
1. share information,
2. report and act on calls for help,
3. coordinate relief,
4. connect the missing,
5. provide connections for such necessities as housing and jobs,
6. match charitable assets to needs,
7. get people connected to this and the world sooner.
There are many, many wonderful things happening, but they are happening — as is the [wont] of the distributed web — everywhere: See the more-than-50 places where the missing from Katrina can be found and more are being built as we read.... Dave Winer points us to efforts to create an open standard for a People Finder XML structure, which we need. And we need better ways to make all this discoverable and searchable..."
There's more good stuff--it's worth reading the whole post. I found it via Chris Nolan's column at eWeek, also worth reading.
Comments (2)
Read More Entries by Spencer Critchley.
Better in the hands of the people
Yes,
this is a great idea. The Federal Government knew this was going to happen and neglected to prepare adequately. Therefore the people will have to have prepare next time and be aware of what's in place when an emergency of this nature occurs again and how to utilize it. FEMA are next to useless and can only respond. People need to know where to turn to in a situations such as these.
Brilliant
I believe this is a great idea. One thing that must be factored in is that evacuees or refugees or others usually do not have access to the most up to date computers. Reverse compatibility is a must.
Additionally, once a disaster hits the internet network structure is usually down indefinitely. The Government prepares for the loss of communications infrastructure through HAMM Radio Operators who have set up VHF and UHF communications networks around the country. The same should be thought about for the internet. A group of government sponsored civilians who can maintain a VHF/UHF packet radio system that can take over in the event of disaster.