A panel focusing on Hurricane Katrina and how information technology did not work is expected to draw the largest crowd. "Researchers will detail how information management problems and information technology problems were significant factors in a failed response," said Murray Turoff, PhD, distinguished professor in the department of information systems at NJIT. "Members of this panel were either in New Orleans and involved at the time or brought in shortly afterwards to evaluate what occurred."
Other sessions will deal with the requirements and approaches to public warning systems and ways to improve the systems. One aim is to improve planetary monitoring by satellites for real time earthquake and tsunami alerts. Experts will also introduce new and significant efforts for improving time-dependent alerts and assessments.
At least five sessions will focus on how people function in crisis management. "Speakers will look at approaches to crisis decision-making, methods of visualizing complex situations and the challenges of multi- agency communications," said Turoff. "A number of case studies examine the role and impact that different stakeholders can have on the emergency management process."
The use of new technology for real-time medical sensing and analysis at emergency sites, as well as new robotic and communication devices for aiding first responders in their role, will be among other topics.
"In total, more than 60 outstanding sessions have been planned representing a rich interdisciplinary tapestry of topics," said Turoff. "In addition, there will be many oppor
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Contact: Sheryl Weinstein
sheryl.m.weinstein@njit.edu
973-596-3436
New Jersey Institute of Technology
12-Apr-2006