The Dialogue: Disaster Apps, Tools, and Technology

The Dialogue: Disaster Apps, Tools, and Technology

Disaster Apps, Tools, and Technology According to the Pew Research Center, about 95 percent of Americans own a cell phone. This widespread access to technology provides an opportunity for disaster planners to utilize new ways to reach and communicate with the communities they serve. Several organizations have developed disaster-related mobile apps to aid in preparing for disasters, assist with communication during a disaster, and provide field tools for disaster responders. In addition, social media has been shown to play an important role for communicating with the public and disseminating information in real time. This issue of The Dialogue from SAMHSA’s Disaster Technical Assistance Center (DTAC) highlights the ways disaster planners can utilize mobile apps and social media before, during, and after a disaster. It also provides information on tools to assist the public in recovering from a disaster. Do you have a favorite app or tool that you use during disasters? Would you recommend a specific technology to others in the field? Please share your recommendations via email to dtac@samhsa.hhs.gov. Selected reader comments will be printed in a future edition of The Dialogue. Download the full issue [PDF – 1.4 MB]

Issue Highlights Social Media Before, During, and After Disasters A public information, education, and outreach coordinator shares how he utilizes social media to interact with the community he serves. He shares strategies for using social media to build a relationship with the community, identifying the platform that best reaches the audience, and best practices in social media. SAMHSA’s Disaster App Helps Responders Access Critical Resources This article highlights SAMHSA’s Disaster App, an app designed specifically for disaster responders to utilize in the field. The app provides responders with trauma- and disaster-related resources in real time at the touch of a button. SAMHSA Mobile App Helps Health Care Professionals Address Suicide The author provides an overview of SAMHSA’s mobile app, Suicide Safe, an app that helps professionals integrate suicide prevention strategies into their practice. The author also discusses the importance of suicide prevention during disaster response, and the many features included in the app. Are Your Families Prepared for a Disaster? Have Them Act Now. Download Help Kids Cope. The Director and Assistant Director of the Terrorism and Disaster Programs of the University of California, Los Angeles and Duke University National Center for Child Traumatic Stress highlight the features of the National Child Traumatic Stress Network’s mobile app, Help Kids Cope. They also provide tips on how professionals can disseminate the app in their communities. A Look Inside the Disaster Distress Helpline The Director of SAMHSA’s Disaster Distress Helpline discusses the helpline’s background and how it became the country’s first crisis hotline to provide year-round support for survivors and responders experiencing distress or other mental health concerns. He also discusses the most common concerns from callers and texters during recent disasters. Recommended Resources Accessible Communication Technology for Disaster Survivors This tip sheet from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) shares a handful of different devices that individuals with disabilities and other access and functional needs can use after a disaster to communicate and gather information. American Red Cross Mobile Apps The American Red Cross has a collection of mobile apps designed to share information and help with disaster preparedness. These disaster apps distribute tornado, hurricane, and flooding warnings; notify you when an earthquake occurs; and help monitor other weather and emergency alerts. Additionally, there are applications for first aid care for yourself and your pets. National Center for PTSD: PTSD Coach Online Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Coach Online is a tool developed by the National Center for PTSD to help anyone struggling with anxiety, anger, sadness, or other emotions after a disaster or trauma. Individuals can select a symptom they would like to work on, and PTSD Coach Online provides a variety of tools and resources to help cope. Mobile App: PFA Mobile In collaboration with the National Center for PTSD, the National Child Traumatic Stress Network provides the Psychological First Aid (PFA) Mobile app, a tool for first responders who provide PFA to individuals before, during, or after a disaster. About The Dialogue The Dialogue, a quarterly technical assistance journal, is an arena for professionals in the disaster behavioral health field to share information, resources, trends, solutions to problems, and accomplishments. Read previous issues of The Dialogue. The views, opinions, and content expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, or policies of the Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS), the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).