DisasterHelp.Gov

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), along with 26 other government agencies has created a portal, DisasterHelp.Gov, to help first responders obtain information and better communicate with each other before, during, and after emergency situations. Utilizing an instant messaging service provided by Bantu, the portal allows first responders to send secure notes or alerts from anywhere with internet access.

Communication between different first responder agencies has been a challenge because they use different radio frequencies and incompatible equipment. DisasterHelp.Gov places the police, fire, and ambulance responders in direct communication with each other. While first responders have already been using instant messenger services, DisasterHelp.Gov provides an encrypted platform that is secure from hackers and is compatible with firewalls that protect against viruses.

The main portal is publicly accessible, with additional services available to FEMA-verified first responders. The portal is designed to provide the public with up-to-date information and resources organized by region, agency, type of responder, type of disaster, etc. The public portal also provides links to existing emergency preparedness websites and relevant government websites.

Sources:

GovExec.com - 04/09/03;
Computerworld.com - 04/08/03;
http://www.disasterhelp.gov