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The Role of Crowdsourced Data in Disaster Response

Crowdsourced Data is an Emerging Tool

In the last ten years, natural disasters have exponentially increased in frequency and severity, making effective disaster response even more crucial…Crowdsourced data and social media are emerging as tools that can enhance disaster management efforts. People in the field can provide real-time information through social media posts, images, and videos. Firsthand accounts can offer insights into the unfolding situation, but there are also pitfalls to crowdsourced data. Big data must be sifted through effectively to be useful. With advancements in data processing, government and relief agencies are increasingly able to sift through and verify public reported data, incorporating it into their disaster response strategies.

How Crowdsourced Data Enhances Disaster Response

Crowdsourced data refers to information gathered from large groups of people, often through digital platforms. During a disaster, this data can come in many forms, from geotagged tweets and Facebook posts to photos and videos shared by those affected. These real-time updates provide ground-level information that might not be available through traditional data sources like satellite imagery or government reports. Geotagged reports are more useful than general information. Even though crowdsourced data is helpful, it must be verified.
Crowdsourced data offers insights into the human impact of a disaster—people may report where they are trapped or damage to private structures, or share urgent needs for food, water, or medical assistance. This allows response teams to act more quickly and effectively. Crowdsourced data fills gaps left by traditional data sources. In many disaster scenarios, official reports may be delayed, and infrastructure damage can limit communication between agencies. Accurate information makes a difference in saving lives.

The Future of Crowdsourcing in Disaster Response

Integrating crowdsourced data into disaster response is expected to grow in the coming years. Technological advancements, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, are making it easier to process and verify vast amounts of data. AI can help filter out false or irrelevant information, allowing authorities to focus on reliable data that can improve their response.
Crowdsourced data and social media are revolutionizing the way disasters are managed. Apps allow people to report real-time conditions such as infrastructure damage, hazards, or missing persons directly to response teams. By providing real-time, on-the-ground updates, these tools enable faster, more targeted responses. As these platforms evolve, they will provide a valuable source of data, helping governments and agencies respond more quickly and effectively during a crisis. Ultimately, integrating crowdsourced data into emergency response will make it possible to save more lives.

Crowdsourced Data is an Emerging Tool

In the last ten years, natural disasters have exponentially increased in frequency and severity, making effective disaster response even more crucial…Crowdsourced data and social media are emerging as tools that can enhance disaster management efforts. People in the field can provide real-time information through social media posts, images, and videos. Firsthand accounts can offer insights into the unfolding situation, but there are also pitfalls to crowdsourced data. Big data must be sifted through effectively to be useful. With advancements in data processing, government and relief agencies are increasingly able to sift through and verify public reported data, incorporating it into their disaster response strategies.

How Crowdsourced Data Enhances Disaster Response

Crowdsourced data refers to information gathered from large groups of people, often through digital platforms. During a disaster, this data can come in many forms, from geotagged tweets and Facebook posts to photos and videos shared by those affected. These real-time updates provide ground-level information that might not be available through traditional data sources like satellite imagery or government reports. Geotagged reports are more useful than general information. Even though crowdsourced data is helpful, it must be verified.
Crowdsourced data offers insights into the human impact of a disaster—people may report where they are trapped or damage to private structures, or share urgent needs for food, water, or medical assistance. This allows response teams to act more quickly and effectively. Crowdsourced data fills gaps left by traditional data sources. In many disaster scenarios, official reports may be delayed, and infrastructure damage can limit communication between agencies. Accurate information makes a difference in saving lives.

The Future of Crowdsourcing in Disaster Response

Integrating crowdsourced data into disaster response is expected to grow in the coming years. Technological advancements, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, are making it easier to process and verify vast amounts of data. AI can help filter out false or irrelevant information, allowing authorities to focus on reliable data that can improve their response.
Crowdsourced data and social media are revolutionizing the way disasters are managed. Apps allow people to report real-time conditions such as infrastructure damage, hazards, or missing persons directly to response teams. By providing real-time, on-the-ground updates, these tools enable faster, more targeted responses. As these platforms evolve, they will provide a valuable source of data, helping governments and agencies respond more quickly and effectively during a crisis. Ultimately, integrating crowdsourced data into emergency response will make it possible to save more lives.

The Role of Real-Time Data in Modern Disaster Response

Modern Disaster Activity

Natural disasters are more frequent and intense in recent years due to climate change, causing significant harm to communities. These events often lead to loss of life, destruction of property, and long-term economic damage. Real-time data plays a critical role in disaster response, helping teams act swiftly and effectively. Access to accurate, up-to-the-minute information is essential. It allows emergency responders to make better decisions, respond more quickly, and save more lives.

Quality vs. Quantity: What Matters Most?

Today, we have access to an enormous amount of data during disasters, generated by sources like social media, satellites, and mobile devices. But quantity doesn’t mean quality. Too much unverified or irrelevant information creates confusion and slows response efforts.
Today, we have access to an enormous amount of data during disasters, generated by sources like social media, satellites, and mobile devices. But quantity doesn’t mean quality. Too much unverified or irrelevant information creates confusion and slows response efforts.
In disaster management, it’s not about having more data—it’s about having the right data at the right time. This allows teams to act quickly and efficiently.

How Quality Data Transforms Disaster Response

High-quality, real-time data changes how disaster response teams operate. In the past, delayed information led to inefficient resource allocation and slower rescue efforts. Now, technological advancements allow responders to get a clearer picture of the situation in real-time, helping them make faster, more informed decisions.
During a wildfire, real-time satellite images can show how the fire is spreading, enabling teams to evacuate residents from high-risk areas sooner. In floods, live data from river sensors can predict rising water levels, allowing teams to send aid and resources to affected areas. Real-time data makes it possible for disaster management teams to act proactively, increasing the chances of saving lives.
Additionally, accurate data helps with recovery efforts after a disaster. With a clear understanding of the damage, teams can prioritize the areas that need the most urgent attention, allocate resources more effectively, and help communities recover faster.

Real-Time Data Saves Money Through Efficiency

Besides saving lives, real-time data reduces the cost of disaster response. Responding to a disaster is expensive, often requiring large-scale mobilization of resources and personnel. When teams have access to accurate data, they can operate more efficiently, avoiding unnecessary expenses.
Instead of sending search-and-rescue teams across wide areas, real-time data like GPS signals or drone footage can guide first responders directly to survivors’ locations. This targeted approach not only saves time but also cuts operational costs. Similarly, early warnings and predictive models help authorities position supplies and equipment ahead of time, reducing the need for costly last-minute adjustments.

Improving Government Aid Distribution

In the aftermath of a disaster, distributing aid quickly and fairly is a major challenge for governments and relief organizations. Delays or mistakes can leave people without essential supplies like food, water, and medical help. Real-time data is key to solving this problem by providing up-to-date information on which areas are most in need.
Real-time updates on the number of displaced people or those seeking shelter can help governments adjust aid distribution to avoid shortages and ensure everyone gets the help they need. By using real-time data, governments can better manage their resources, avoid waste, and make sure aid reaches the hardest-hit communities. This helps stabilize affected areas more quickly and supports a faster recovery process. Accurate reporting increases the government relief to affected areas.

The Future of Real-Time Data in Disaster Management

The role of real-time data in disaster management will continue to grow as technology advances. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning will be used to analyze data more effectively, improving predictions about how disasters will unfold, allowing for earlier warnings. This could save lives by helping teams distribute resources more efficiently. IoT (Internet of Things) sensors are also expected to be deployed more widely in vulnerable areas. These sensors can provide real-time information about environmental conditions like air quality, temperature, and seismic activity. During a disaster, they can offer updates quantifying infrastructure damage, tracking flooding levels, or identifying hazardous leaks, helping teams respond more quickly and precisely.
Faster communication networks like 5G will also enhance real-time data transmission. Since communication lines are often damaged in disasters, the high-speed, low-latency capabilities of 5G will allow first responders to receive crucial data even during major events.

Real-Time Data Matters

Real-time data has become an indispensable tool for modern disaster management teams.Crowdsourced data is another emerging tool that aids in disaster response. From improving response times and saving lives to cutting costs and streamlining aid distribution, Real-time enables teams to act more efficiently and effectively. With better tools for collecting, analyzing, and acting on data, disaster management teams will be better equipped to protect lives, resources, and communities in the face of future disasters.

Modern Disaster Activity

Natural disasters are more frequent and intense in recent years due to climate change, causing significant harm to communities. These events often lead to loss of life, destruction of property, and long-term economic damage. Real-time data plays a critical role in disaster response, helping teams act swiftly and effectively. Access to accurate, up-to-the-minute information is essential. It allows emergency responders to make better decisions, respond more quickly, and save more lives.

Quality vs. Quantity: What Matters Most?

Today, we have access to an enormous amount of data during disasters, generated by sources like social media, satellites, and mobile devices. But quantity doesn’t mean quality. Too much unverified or irrelevant information creates confusion and slows response efforts.
Today, we have access to an enormous amount of data during disasters, generated by sources like social media, satellites, and mobile devices. But quantity doesn’t mean quality. Too much unverified or irrelevant information creates confusion and slows response efforts.
In disaster management, it’s not about having more data—it’s about having the right data at the right time. This allows teams to act quickly and efficiently.

How Quality Data Transforms Disaster Response

High-quality, real-time data changes how disaster response teams operate. In the past, delayed information led to inefficient resource allocation and slower rescue efforts. Now, technological advancements allow responders to get a clearer picture of the situation in real-time, helping them make faster, more informed decisions.
During a wildfire, real-time satellite images can show how the fire is spreading, enabling teams to evacuate residents from high-risk areas sooner. In floods, live data from river sensors can predict rising water levels, allowing teams to send aid and resources to affected areas. Real-time data makes it possible for disaster management teams to act proactively, increasing the chances of saving lives.
Additionally, accurate data helps with recovery efforts after a disaster. With a clear understanding of the damage, teams can prioritize the areas that need the most urgent attention, allocate resources more effectively, and help communities recover faster.

Real-Time Data Saves Money Through Efficiency

Besides saving lives, real-time data reduces the cost of disaster response. Responding to a disaster is expensive, often requiring large-scale mobilization of resources and personnel. When teams have access to accurate data, they can operate more efficiently, avoiding unnecessary expenses.
Instead of sending search-and-rescue teams across wide areas, real-time data like GPS signals or drone footage can guide first responders directly to survivors’ locations. This targeted approach not only saves time but also cuts operational costs. Similarly, early warnings and predictive models help authorities position supplies and equipment ahead of time, reducing the need for costly last-minute adjustments.

Improving Government Aid Distribution

In the aftermath of a disaster, distributing aid quickly and fairly is a major challenge for governments and relief organizations. Delays or mistakes can leave people without essential supplies like food, water, and medical help. Real-time data is key to solving this problem by providing up-to-date information on which areas are most in need.
Real-time updates on the number of displaced people or those seeking shelter can help governments adjust aid distribution to avoid shortages and ensure everyone gets the help they need. By using real-time data, governments can better manage their resources, avoid waste, and make sure aid reaches the hardest-hit communities. This helps stabilize affected areas more quickly and supports a faster recovery process. Accurate reporting increases the government relief to affected areas.

The Future of Real-Time Data in Disaster Management

The role of real-time data in disaster management will continue to grow as technology advances. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning will be used to analyze data more effectively, improving predictions about how disasters will unfold, allowing for earlier warnings. This could save lives by helping teams distribute resources more efficiently. IoT (Internet of Things) sensors are also expected to be deployed more widely in vulnerable areas. These sensors can provide real-time information about environmental conditions like air quality, temperature, and seismic activity. During a disaster, they can offer updates quantifying infrastructure damage, tracking flooding levels, or identifying hazardous leaks, helping teams respond more quickly and precisely.
Faster communication networks like 5G will also enhance real-time data transmission. Since communication lines are often damaged in disasters, the high-speed, low-latency capabilities of 5G will allow first responders to receive crucial data even during major events.

Real-Time Data Matters

Real-time data has become an indispensable tool for modern disaster management teams.Crowdsourced data is another emerging tool that aids in disaster response. From improving response times and saving lives to cutting costs and streamlining aid distribution, Real-time enables teams to act more efficiently and effectively. With better tools for collecting, analyzing, and acting on data, disaster management teams will be better equipped to protect lives, resources, and communities in the face of future disasters.

Futurity Train in Iowa Used During Tornado Crisis

Futurity Train in Iowa Used During Tornado Crisis

Futurity attended the Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEMD) training at the University of Okoboji University in Milford, Iowa. During the disaster management training, we certified eighty emergency managers with our technology…
Eleven days later, devastating tornadoes struck the Iowa communities. We were deeply saddened that five people lost their lives during this disaster.

HSEMD utilized the Futurity technology and swiftly and effectively conducted damage assessments. Real-time data helped emergency teams make informed decisions and expedite recovery. We are proud that we could be part of the solution during this crisis.

Phillip Davis has used Futurity’s platform during two storms and said, “What would normally take three to four days took one.”
Joel McWilliam, from Franklin County, also mentioned how our program is user-friendly.

Futurity Train in Iowa Used During Tornado Crisis

Futurity attended the Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEMD) training at the University of Okoboji University in Milford, Iowa. During the disaster management training, we certified eighty emergency managers with our technology…
Eleven days later, devastating tornadoes struck the Iowa communities. We were deeply saddened that five people lost their lives during this disaster.

HSEMD utilized the Futurity technology and swiftly and effectively conducted damage assessments. Real-time data helped emergency teams make informed decisions and expedite recovery. We are proud that we could be part of the solution during this crisis.

Phillip Davis has used Futurity’s platform during two storms and said, “What would normally take three to four days took one.”
Joel McWilliam, from Franklin County, also mentioned how our program is user-friendly.

Reimagining Disaster Response for Vulnerable Populations

Futurity reimagines the disaster response for vulnerable populations through 
efficient data collection.

Mass Care requires a multi-faceted approach because of the complexity and scope of disasters. Vulnerable populations are severely affected and need resources to survive and thrive. A reactive approach yields results that compound the negative impact on survivors.

Who comprises vulnerable populations?

Vulnerability is determined by historical, political, cultural, institutional, and natural resource processes that shape conditions of people’s lives.
Driving factors for vulnerability include poor housing, ill-health, age, education, and political tensions. Vulnerability is a key component of disaster health risk for communities. Disaster risk facets involve the severity of the hazard, the number of people affected, and potential susceptibility during an emergency.
Identifying potential hazards and preparing to aid vulnerable populations is a key for success in Mass Care.

Two tragic events propelled Futurity to develop a better system for vulnerable populations:

1. Oregon Turning Point: 2020 Oregon Wildfires

• The Oregon wildfires burned more than 1.2 million acres and destroyed over 5,000 homes.
• The Oregon Department of Human Services created the Office of Resilience an Emergency Management because of the unprecedented number of displaced survivors.

2. Hawaii Turning Point: 2023 Lahaina Fire

• The Lahaina fired destroyed or damaged nearly 4,000 properties, with estimated damages up to $6 billion. Over 100 people lost their lives.
• Over 7,000 people needed shelter.

The Futurity Solution

The fires and response to vulnerable populations in Oregon and Hawaii highlighted a weakness in the standard disaster management response.

Futurity reworked disaster management technology to account for the impact on the public..

We created an online intake form for survivors, centralizing the needed information. Centralization provides access to the entire team working to aid the vulnerable populations. It’s critical for access to data to operate with and without internet connectivity. Data must stay up-to-date as a disaster progresses

How did Futurity change disaster management technology?

• Developed key questions to determine level of care needed
• Needs assessment records the survivor’s immediate needs, a description of the experience, basic information of pre-disaster condition versus post-disaster situation, and the process to follow through on recovery.
• All data in a single, shareable system.
• Provide a system for better organization and understanding of survivor eligibility for state and federal relief programs.
• Efficiently report incident scope to government agencies to request reimbursement.
Mass Care focuses on vulnerable populations. To complete the global picture of a disaster, we must understand the impact on built structures and the human environment. The recovery process works efficiently with systemized damage assessment, centralized location for access, quickly triaging for immediate needs, and planning for long-term care when needed.
Futurity’s goal is to care for both the built and the human environment during a disaster.

Futurity reimagines the disaster response for vulnerable populations through 
efficient data collection.

Mass Care requires a multi-faceted approach because of the complexity and scope of disasters. Vulnerable populations are severely affected and need resources to survive and thrive. A reactive approach yields results that compound the negative impact on survivors.

Who comprises vulnerable populations?

Vulnerability is determined by historical, political, cultural, institutional, and natural resource processes that shape conditions of people’s lives.
Driving factors for vulnerability include poor housing, ill-health, age, education, and political tensions. Vulnerability is a key component of disaster health risk for communities. Disaster risk facets involve the severity of the hazard, the number of people affected, and potential susceptibility during an emergency.
Identifying potential hazards and preparing to aid vulnerable populations is a key for success in Mass Care.

Two tragic events propelled Futurity to develop a better system for vulnerable populations:

1. Oregon Turning Point: 2020 Oregon Wildfires

• The Oregon wildfires burned more than 1.2 million acres and destroyed over 5,000 homes.
• The Oregon Department of Human Services created the Office of Resilience an Emergency Management because of the unprecedented number of displaced survivors.

2. Hawaii Turning Point: 2023 Lahaina Fire

• The Lahaina fired destroyed or damaged nearly 4,000 properties, with estimated damages up to $6 billion. Over 100 people lost their lives.
• Over 7,000 people needed shelter.

The Futurity Solution

The fires and response to vulnerable populations in Oregon and Hawaii highlighted a weakness in the standard disaster management response.

Futurity reworked disaster management technology to account for the impact on the public..

We created an online intake form for survivors, centralizing the needed information. Centralization provides access to the entire team working to aid the vulnerable populations. It’s critical for access to data to operate with and without internet connectivity. Data must stay up-to-date as a disaster progresses

How did Futurity change disaster management technology?

• Developed key questions to determine level of care needed
• Needs assessment records the survivor’s immediate needs, a description of the experience, basic information of pre-disaster condition versus post-disaster situation, and the process to follow through on recovery.
• All data in a single, shareable system.
• Provide a system for better organization and understanding of survivor eligibility for state and federal relief programs.
• Efficiently report incident scope to government agencies to request reimbursement.
Mass Care focuses on vulnerable populations. To complete the global picture of a disaster, we must understand the impact on built structures and the human environment. The recovery process works efficiently with systemized damage assessment, centralized location for access, quickly triaging for immediate needs, and planning for long-term care when needed.
Futurity’s goal is to care for both the built and the human environment during a disaster.

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