Data Management in Emergency Response: Observations from the Field During COVID19 and Storm Ana

Abstract

During disruptive events, the exchange of information is a key factor in successfully managing the adverse effects. Today, there is a plethora of data and related data-technologies available for emergency response organizations, which can help address the information needs. Data has a great potential to support responders in their operations, especially in complex emergencies with longer lasting and more widespread effects . However, the increasing availability and use of data in emergency response also presents new challenges. The emergence of data in the field of crisis response is not only technical in nature, but also has impacts on the organizational aspects. Drawing on existing literature and best practices in data management and governance activities, we explore this topic in two cases centered around large-scale emergency responses. We examine these challenges in data-management first-hand and identify the implications for responders and key considerations for successfully leveraging the potential of data in the immediate responses to large-scale emergencies