NASA Funded Earth Alert System to Aid MEMA in Disasters

The Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) has recently deployed a new communications system, based on NASA technology, that is designed to aid emergency management professionals when natural or man-made disasters occur.

During the early hours of Hurricane Isabel, key Maryland Emergency Management officials had access to Earth Alert, a system that enabled MEMA to quickly view personnel deployment and status on a map, track personnel movement, send text alerts as well as send messages to and from devices in the field. They were also able to report damages and coordinate response teams operating in the field. All these capabilities enabled MEMA to more efficiently provide relief to those in need.

MEMA is the state agency within the State of Maryland charged with the responsibility of reducing loss of life and property and protecting Marylands institutions from natural and man-made disasters. The agency accomplishes this by coordinating the use of state resources during emergencies and disasters.

During a one-year pilot program, MEMA officials are testing the Earth Alert Emergency Management System, which was developed by 3e Technologies International (3eTI), Rockville, Md., and funded by NASA Goddard Space Flight Center's Technology Commercialization Office. As described by 3eTI, the Earth Alert System is a multi-faceted solution for Emergency Management Agencies/Organizations and First Responder communities.

This new system is another success story in NASA's Technology Transfer Program, whose major goal is to transfer technology derived from its space activities to the public and private sectors for the benefit of humankind. The development of the Earth Alert System is based on NASA Goddard's communications and information systems technologies.

For the complete article on the to: http://www.gsfc.nasa.gov/topstory/2003/1010earthalert.html