Natural and man-made disasters can threaten both structures and lives alike. As floods, mudslides, wildfires, hurricanes, tornadoes, and earthquakes mold the land, people can do little to prevent devastation. Hazardous materials such as radioactive waste and strong chemicals pose a risk to communities near hazardous facilities and along transportation corridors. Usually disasters, whether natural or man-made, happen suddenly and have the potential to create chaos, but new technology, including new GIS applications, can help lessen both knee-jerk reactions and panic.

GIS technology is one of the most important advancements in disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation. Once the physical features of an area are studied, researchers can determine the likelihood of an event and its potential impact on the surroundings. After the initial assessment, communities can create response plans and explore possible preventative measures.

GIS enables decision making to be focused and rapid. New spatial analysis tools can now help assess the affected population quickly, track and assess damage, ensure a faster response time for rescue, and determine obstructions and blocked areas for responders to safely reach victims. Disaster response tools help first responders plan where to attack a wildfire, how to coordinate thousands of rescue workers, and where to best locate a paramedic base.

The maps created with GIS and applications developed using GIS are aiding authorities and ordinary citizens alike to prepare for both the unexpected and the inevitable. The stories in this section illustrate several techniques communities have used to combat a disaster or prepare for the possibility of one.

For more information, visit www.esri.com/public_safety on the Web.