Managing the Response to Disasters Using Microcomputers

We have helped develop microcomputer-based decision aids that assist four different disaster management organizations: the American Red Cross, the United States Coast Guard, a regional emergency medical organization, and the New York State Office of Disaster Preparedness. The four systems emphasize different components of a “typical” disaster response DSS. The microcomputer itself, because of its portability and low cost, has helped to bring computer technology into this important area where it has been traditionally shunned.