An examination of the information technology used by Western Pennsylvania disaster managers for disaster readiness, response and relief efforts, and coordination

Americans have developed an awareness of the importance of the use of information technology by public officials and relief personnel during natural disasters. This awareness stems from the devastating disasters that occurred throughout the world in the twenty first century, which include major earthquakes, fires, floods, hurricanes, and tsunamis. The relief efforts following the disaster often come under scrutiny and are challenged as falling short of public expectations. An abundance of information technology is available that could assist with disaster readiness, response and relief efforts and coordination, but this technology may not be available to disaster managers or if available, it is not being used effectively. The purpose of this field project was to identify and examine the information technology used by Western Pennsylvania disaster managers for flooding natural disaster readiness, response and relief efforts and coordination.; A study was conducted on the use of information technology by the disaster managers in the Pennsylvania Region 13 Task Force. Qualitative research was conducted using the intrinsic and instrumental case study methods. The fourteen disaster managers in the Pennsylvania Region 13 Task Force were interviewed face-to-face using open-ended questions to identify the information technology used during the readiness, response and relief phases of disaster management. Questions were also asked to identify information technology used to facilitate disaster coordination in the event of a flooding natural disaster. Finally, questions eliciting demographic information were included to assist in recognizing and explaining the culture of unity, trust and teamwork exemplified by the PA Region 13 Task Force.; After analyzing the data, a framework was developed to aid disaster managers in information gathering and communication. Information technology was identified and why it is used to coordinate readiness, response and relief efforts was explained.