Emergency Management Planning for 2012
Posted on Thu, Jan 05, 2012
2012 offers immense growth in the area of cloud, social, and mobile computing, according to Gartner Inc., a leading information technology research and advisory company. These methods of information sharing and communications are predicted to have explosive growth and continue to change the way business is conducted. This technological trend of information sharing and rapid communication should be effectively incorporated in the area of Emergency Response, Incident Management, and Planning.
Smart phones, tablets and other devices continue to gain in popularity and use. By embracing the predicted trend, companies can incorporate comprehensive emergency and incident management processes and strategies with an effective stakeholder management system. In the midst of a response, companies need to be able to identify, prioritize, communicate, and engage both responders and stakeholders effectively. Through the use of advancing technology, companies can limit damaging rumors, misinformation, and adverse public perceptions that can result from an emergency or crisis situation.
Within most companies, the transition to cloud, social, and mobile computing will require budget reallocations. According to Garnet's 2012 predictions, monies typically allocated for technology departments may be managed outside the IT budget. Managing VP and Gartner Fellow Daryl Plummer, says that "IT has to change itself to become a broker of services rather than just a provider of technology to their business." It is clear that in order for Emergency managers to keep up with common-place communication methods, EHS budgets need to address how to incorporate cloud, social, and mobile computing into emergency planning and response. Utilizing a designated budget to outsource a consultant that can bridge the knowledge of EHS professionals and Emergency Management requirements with company technology departments may prove to be a more cost efficient and effective method than in-house transitions.
By embracing technology and rapidly changing communications methods, emergency planners can establish enhanced tools and procedures for coordination and communication with responders and stakeholders to effectively manage emergency and crisis situations.
For a sample Emergency Response Checklist, download our helpful and informative guide.
