Deploying a new system for recording and managing information during an emergency to aid decision making

The management of the huge amount of information generated during an emergency is an important tool for effective response and short-term recovery. A key part of that management is the ability to make the information accessible to everyone responding to and affected by the emergency. This paper describes an IT-based emergency planning information management system developed by Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council in partnership with BT, which allows for the logging, actioning and dissemination of information generated during an emergency. A key component of the management system is its geographical information system capability and how this can be used to enhance emergency response. Furthermore, a description of how the system is used during emergency response is also included.