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  •   over 15 years ago

Saving the Yuppies

Warning: This post is intentionally provocative.
I came a cross a couple of submissions suggesting the development of mobile apps designed to run on iPads. and other smart mobile devices. As a techie I really liked them and think I would have used them and that they could be a great resource, however it is at the same time very apparent to me that the majority of the population can not afford such costly devices.
Focusing on developing such apps, or infrastructure to support them, would be a rather discriminatory practice, and not one FEMA should undertake, unless it is only an extension to a more broad solution based on a technology accessible to all. The idea only the elite would be properly alerted, frankly rather disturbs me, especially after Katrina.
This is the reason my suggestion was implemented on basic cell phone technology, as even the lowest income segment of the population is using cell phones quite readily. The brains is implemented all in the background, and in the central service provider hubs.
I would encourage more contributors to take this aspect into consideration when presenting their ideas.
 

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  •   •   about 15 years ago

    Provocative? Yes it is.  While I agree, part of the solution is to reach out to as many groups as possible.  Apps are not the total answer.  They may not even be a large part of the solution but it does reach out to a group that may be able to mobilize and get involved.  15 years ago cel phones were a curiousity to many of us and now they are part of most peoples lives.
    Disaster planners and emergency managers need to use all the tools that can be found!

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