MANAGING THE RESPONSE TO DISASTERS USING MICROCOMPUTERS

The need to develop support systems to assist diaster managers is readily apparent from much of the theory on decision making. The quality of the information used in the decision process depends upon the ability of the information system to gather and process data in a form meaningful to the decision maker and of value in the decision process. A microcomputer-based decision support system (DSS) is introduced that is based on four components: a data bank, a data analysis capability, normative models, and technology for display and the interactive use of the data and models. Microcomputer-based decision aids are described that assist in disaster response for four different agencies: the American Red Cross, the US Coast Guard, a regional emergency medical organization (REMO), and the New York State Office of Disaster Preparedness.