# Presentation: 908208

## Information Dissemination Technologies and Architecture:Meeting the Growing Needs of Decision-Makers and the Public for Critical Weather Information

**Mr. Samuel P. Williamson**
**Federal Coordinator for Meteorology**
***Office of the Federal Coordinator for Meteorological Services and Supporting Research***

***National Hurricane Conference***
***Training Session***
***April 6, 2004***

**Notes:**
  Good afternoon, I’m Sam Williamson the Federal Coordinator for Meteorology and I want to welcome you to this National Hurricane Conference Training Session on “Information Dissemination Technologies and Architecture:  Meeting the Growing Needs of Decision-Makers and the Public for Critical Weather Information.”

  I want to personally thank the leadership of the NHC for this great opportunity to expand upon our interaction at last year’s OFCM led training session on “Characterizing the Impact of Hurricanes and Inland Flooding to Help Emergency Managers and the Public Deal with the Risks They Face.”

  Providing the general public and emergency management personnel at all levels of government with accurate and timely environmental warning information is the most important mission that public and/or private organizations have.

  My desire is that we will offer you an opportunity to learn about the policies and technologies currently shaping our warning dissemination process and allow you to share your thoughts and ideas on how to make it more responsive to meet your needs.    

  One final note before we get started...this training session, like all other training NHC sessions and workshops, will be taped for future use by the National Hurricane Conference coordinators.  

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## Training Session Overview

**Why are we here?**
**  ****Critical Weather Information Impacts**
**  ****Training Session Purpose**
**  ****Training Session Expected Outcomes**
**Logistic – Questionnaire and Information Dissemination Technology (IDT) Listing**
**Training Session Panels**
**Summary**

**Notes:**
THIS SLIDE PROVIDES A QUICK OUTLINE OF HOW WE HAVE ORGANIZED THE TRAINING SESSION FOR THIS AFTERNOON 

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**  ****Discuss getting natural hazard warnings (e.g.,  hurricane warnings) to the public and emergency management**
**  ****Watch/Warning message must be clear and consistent**
**  ****So it’s relevant to the target community**
**  ****Criteria may must be clearly understood**
**  ****Facilitate understanding and promote a safe response**
**  ****Key point the message must get to the public**
**  ****Capitalize on state-of-the-art information dissemination technologies, like NOAA Weather Radio and Reverse 911**
**  ****Partner with state/local governments and the private sector to fill information voids**
**  ****Note...it has been reported that the greatest average yearly threat is posed by floods and flash floods**

**Notes:**
  Primarily we are here to discuss getting environmental warnings, that is hurricane and hurricane related warnings, to the public and emergency management personnel.  However, we must keep in mind, the warning process is made up of many interrelated parts (e.g., risk assessment, observation, forecast, warning declaration, and dissemination), all of which must function in a timely and accurate manner to achieve the best possibility of warning and protecting the public.   

  Watch/Warning message must be clear and consistent
  So its relevant to the target community
  Criteria used must be clearly understood
  This will facilitate understanding and promote a safe response
  Key point....the message must get to the public
  Capitalize on state-of-the-art information dissemination technologies, like NOAA Weather Radio and Reverse 911
  Partner with state/local governments and the private sector to fill information voids

  Note...it has been reported that the greatest average yearly natural hazard threat to the public is posed by floods and flash floods, followed by lightning and tornadoes.   It might be argued that this situation has partly resulted from the significant improvement in the accuracy and lead-times for tornado and hurricane warnings  

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**  ****Warnings issued by the NWS reach the public through a variety of methods**
**  ****For warnings to reach the public quickly and accurately requires cooperation**
**  ****Success also hinges on the ability of the public to respond**
**  ****In summary, each step of the watch/warning process must function efficiently**

***Critical Weather Information Impacts***

**Notes:**
  As reported by the American Meteorological Society in 1997  

  Environmental warnings issued by the NWS reach the public through a variety of methods including sirens, radio, television, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Weather Radio, and the Emergency Alert System. 
  For warnings to reach the public quickly and accurately, the cooperation of many diverse groups is required. 
  It is crucial that local authorities (police, fire, and emergency managers), the media, private forecasters, amateur radio operators, storm spotters, and the NWS all work closely to coordinate the collection, synthesis, and dissemination of warning information.
   Success of the entire watch/warning program also hinges on the ability of the public to understand the nature of the risks to safety and to respond quickly and properly to the information presented.  

  In summary, each step of the watch/warning process must function efficiently if there is to be accurate and timely communication of the potential threat.

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-   **1890, the Weather Bureau was created...hurricane of 1875 destroying Indianola ,TX, without much warning was a contributing factor**
**  ****1900, the Galveston hurricane killed 6,000 people--greatest natural disaster in United States history...no formal hurricane warning issued**
**  ****1920's, several hurricanes hit with little or no warning **
**  ****1926, a very strong hurricane brought great devastation to southeast Florida causing more than 200 deaths. The ****warnings for that storm were issued at night when most residents were asleep**** and unaware of the rapidly approaching hurricane**
**  ****1928, another severe hurricane hit south Florida and killed an estimated 1,800 people who drowned when Lake Okeechobee overflowed **

***Critical Weather Information Impacts***

**Notes:**
   Lets look at several historical examples where the word didn’t get out in time.
  As you look over these examples, we are reminded that we have been working on improving our warning forecast and dissemination system for many years, and as always, we must capitalize on all available resources to improve our warning process capabilities.
  Too many times, we have not been able to get the warning to the people that need it in a timely manner.

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-   **1933, the largest number of tropical storms (21) developed...two were hurricanes that affected the east coast of the United States, including Washington, and were badly forecast and warned **
**  ****1999, Hurricane Floyd...over 20 inches in some areas of North Carolina...fifty-one people died, and overall damage exceeded six billion dollars...in spite of ample warning of Floyd's approach, most residents inland had virtually no warning of the floods that engulfed them, ****leaving many to rescue themselves in the middle of the night**
**  ****2004, a Baltimore area water taxi capsized due to ****sudden high winds**** in the Inner Harbor area of Baltimore, Maryland, near Fort McHenry, killing five person...investigation continues into warning support surrounding this incident**

***Critical Weather Information Impacts***

**Notes:**
   Again, more examples, including some recent ones, where the warning forecast and dissemination system did not get the word out to the people that needed it.
  These examples are not presented to “bash” anybody...they are presented to remind us that we need to work on improving our warning dissemination process to ensure every person, no where they are located, no matter what they are doing, will receive a warning if natural hazards are threatening their area.

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-   **While we are here at the NHC today to concentrate on the IDTs needed to get warnings out in a timely manner, we must not lose sight of the fact there are other issues, like social response, we will have to tackle also.  Such as...**
**  ****It was ****reported that after being warned of the tornado that struck Arkadelphia, AR, 20 minutes later, an individual did the once-unthinkable act: she traveled into its path to retrieve her sister**
**  ****There are also increasing numbers of people putting themselves in harm's way by chasing tornadoes with video cameras or by watching and waiting too long after being warned at home**
**  ****A large fraction of the total deaths in the Wichita Falls, TX tornadoes of 1979 and Huntsville, AL in 1994 were people that were caught in their cars during rush hour trying to get home ahead of the tornado**** **

***Critical Weather Information Impacts***

**Notes:**
  While we are here at the NHC today to concentrate on the IDTs needed to get warnings out in a timely manner, we must not lose sight of the fact there are other issues, like social response, we will have to tackle also.  Such as...
  It was reported that after being warned of the tornado that struck Arkadelphia, AR, 20 minutes later, an individual did the once-unthinkable act: she traveled into its path to retrieve her sister

  There are also increasing numbers of people putting themselves in harm's way by chasing tornadoes with video cameras or by watching and waiting too long after being warned at home

  A large fraction of the total deaths in the Wichita Fall, TX tornadoes of 1979 and Huntsville, AL in 1994 were people that were caught in their cars during rush hour trying to get home ahead of the tornado 

  But our purpose here today is to concentrate on our current and future IDT policy and system needs...so lets get started. 

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**  ****Examine:**
**  ****Current and future IDT policy**
**  ****Available information dissemination technologies and architectures **
**  ****Acquire feedback: **
**  ****How does the emergency management community view current and planned IDT resources**
**  ****Are there any unmet IDT needs?**

**Notes:**
  The purpose of this training session is two fold: 

  First....Examine the current and future policy and available information dissemination technologies and architecture for use in the dissemination of environmental (weather and climate) information to the emergency management community and the public

  Second.....Acquire feedback from attendees on how the emergency management community (especially decision-makers and first responders) views current and planned IDT resources and any unmet needs of that community

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**  ****Enhance knowledge of  Federal policies and guidelines **
**  ****Look at how policies and guidelines are implemented **
**  ****Update on resources (programs, tools, etc.) available **
**  ****Stimulate feedback !! **

**Notes:**
  What do we hope to accomplish during today’s training session?

  We want to enhance your knowledge of current and anticipated Federal policies and guidelines relevant to an all-hazards weather system...with special emphasis given to environmental hazards

  We plan to explain how the current policies and guidelines are implemented in operational programs, R&D projects, tools, and techniques

  We want to update you on resources (programs, tools, etc.) available to decision-makers, first responders, and the general public as components of an all-hazards system

  We definitely hope to stimulate feedback from you on your assessment of current and planned IDT resources for an all-hazards weather system and any unmet requirements you have  

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-   **NHC Questionnaire -- Natural Hazard Warning User **
**  ****Need feedback**
**  ****Existing IDT to receive warnings**
**  ****Time and place limitations **
**  ****Start to build an assessment of existing warning systems    **
**  ****IDT listing shows the kinds of existing technologies we are aware of today  **

**Notes:**
  Speaking of feedback...
  You should have a copy of the NHC Questionnaire -- Natural Hazard Warning User

  Need your feedback on the use of existing IDT technology to receive environmental warning information, as well as those times and places you have limits on receiving such information...
  what works well for you?
  what frustrates you ?
  what ideas do you have to improve the warning dissemination system?

  This information will start to build an assessment of existing warning systems and technologies used to pass environmental warning information 

  You also have an Information Dissemination Technologies listing showing the kinds of existing technologies we are aware of today

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-   **Two panels to help focus our information flow and feedback**
**  ****Panel I:  *****Federal natural-hazards information dissemination policies, procedures, and technologies for decision-makers***
**  **
**  ****Panel II:  *****An assessment of natural-hazards Information Dissemination Technologies and architecture for meeting the demands of public safety***

**Notes:**
  Our training session today has Two panels to help focus our information flow and feedback

  Panel I:  Federal natural-hazards information dissemination policies, procedures, and technologies for decision-makers

  Panel II:  An assessment of natural-hazards Information Dissemination Technologies and architecture for meeting the demands of public safety

  At this time, I would like to introduce Lt Col Frank Estis, the moderator for Panel I to get our panel presentations and discussion underway   

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## Information Dissemination Technologies and Architecture:Meeting the Growing Needs of Decision-Makers and the Public for Critical Weather Information

**Panel I**
***Federal natural-hazards information dissemination policies, procedures, and technologies for decision-makers***
**Moderator:  Lt. Col. Frank Estis**

***National Hurricane Conference***
***Training Session***
***April 6, 2004***

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**Review Federal natural-hazards warning dissemination policy**
**Describe current IDT systems used to get the word out **
**Provide information on current communication techniques/technologies **
**Solicit feedback on current IDT policies and procedures **

**Notes:**
  The objectives of panel one are to 

  Present an overview of current Federal natural-hazards warning dissemination policy

  Describe, if appropriate, the current information dissemination technology (IDT) systems used to get the word out now, in keeping with current policy

  Provide some information on current communication techniques/technologies....more in panel two 

  And based on the panelists presentations or your knowledge, solicit feedback from everyone here on how users view the current IDT policies and procedures and what changes or improvements are needed to meet users’ needs

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**  ****Gain increased understanding of existing Federal policies and guidelines **
**  ****Gain increased knowledge of current IDT procedures **
**  ****Obtain feedback on gaps and needed improvements in current or anticipated IDT policies, procedures, and resources**

**Notes:**
  What do we hope to accomplish through Panel One presentations and feedback?

  We expect you will gain increased understanding of the existing Federal policies and guidelines that can assist local, state, and Federal emergency managers in using and responding to systems for disseminating critical weather hazard information, especially in relation to hurricanes and inland flooding

  We hope we can provide increased knowledge of current IDT procedures (from a provider’s and users points of view) used by agencies in disseminating critical information, especially as it relates to hurricanes and inland flooding

  We hope you will be willing to provide feedback on gaps and needed improvements in current or anticipated IDT policies, procedures, and resources, for meeting requirements of the emergency management and emergency response communities

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**  ****Mr. Richard S. Eligan, Jr., Deputy Director, Office of National Security Coordination, Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Administration**
**  ****Mr. Herbert L. White, National Weather Service, Dissemination Services Manager **
**  ****Mr. Kenneth B. Allen, Executive Director, Partnership for Public Warning**
**  ****Mr. James Wright, American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, 511 Program Manager**

**Notes:**
  The Panel I speakers to discuss various aspects of Federal natural-hazards information dissemination policies, procedures, and technologies for decision-makers are....

  I will provide a short bio on each of the panelists as I introduce them to provide their presentations

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***Panel I Presentations***

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-     **It’s time for a break**
**  ****Reminder...please fill out and turn in the NHC Questionnaire -- Natural Hazard Warning User **
**  ****We need your feedback!**
**  ****Please be back at 3:30 pm for Panel II  **

## Information Dissemination Technologies and Architecture:Meeting the Growing Needs of Decision-Makers and the Public for Critical Weather Information

***Training Session Part 2***
***Office of the Federal Coordinator for Meteorological Services and Supporting Research***

***National Hurricane Conference***
***Training Session***
***April 6, 2004***

**Notes:**
  Good afternoon, and welcome back to the OFCM sponsored NHC Training Session on 
Information Dissemination Technologies and Architecture: Meeting the Growing Needs of Decision-Makers and the Public for Critical Weather Information 

  We hope you had a good break and are ready for our Panel II presentation and discussion, but first a quick review for anyone who may have just joined us.

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**  ****Examine:**
**  ****Current and future IDT policy**
**  ****Available information dissemination technologies and architectures **
**  ****Acquire feedback: **
**  ****How does the emergency management community view current and planned IDT resources**
**  ****Are there any unmet IDT needs?**

**Notes:**
  The purpose of this training session is two fold: 

  First....Examine the current and future policy and available information dissemination technologies and architecture for use in the dissemination of environmental (weather and climate) information to the emergency management community and the public

  Second.....Acquire feedback from attendees on how the emergency management community (especially decision-makers and first responders) views current and planned resources and any unmet needs of that community

*** ***

**  ****Enhance knowledge of  Federal policies and guidelines **
**  ****Look at how policies and guidelines are implemented **
**  ****Update on resources (programs, tools, etc.) available **
**  ****Stimulate feedback !!**** **

**Notes:**
  What do we hope to accomplish during today’s training session?

  We want to enhance your knowledge of current and anticipated Federal policies and guidelines relevant to an all-hazards weather system

  We plan to explain how the current policies and guidelines are implemented in operational programs, R&D projects, tools, and techniques

  We want to update you on resources (programs, tools, etc.) available to decision-makers, first responders, and the general public as components of an all-hazards system

  We definitely hope to stimulate feedback from you on your assessment of current and planned resources for an all-hazards weather system and any unmet requirements you have

## Information Dissemination Technologies and Architecture:Meeting the Growing Needs of Decision-Makers and the Public for Critical Weather Information

**Panel II**
***An assessment of natural-hazards Information Dissemination Technologies and architecture for meeting the demands of public safety***
**Moderator:  Ms. Mary M. Cairns--OFCM Staff**

***National Hurricane Conference***
***Training Session***
***April 6, 2004***

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**Raise your awareness**
**New, improved, or emerging technology and tools**
**Dissemination of critical all-hazards information**
**Focused on hurricanes and inland flooding**
**Elicit your feedback**
**What is your assessment of existing and planned technology and tools?**
**What are your needs?**
**Reminder...fill out and turn in the NHC Questionnaire -- Natural Hazard Warning User **

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**  ****Increase your awareness of current & future IDT**
**  ****Exchange information from panel members to/from the audience**
**  ****Elicit users’ evaluation of natural-hazards IDT**

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**  ****Dr. Steve Lyons, The Weather Channel**
**  ****Chief Terry Tullier, Director, New Orleans Office of Emergency Preparedness**
**  ****Mr. Robert D. Bunge, National Weather Service, Office of the Chief Information Officer**

***Panel II Presentations***

## Information Dissemination Technologies and Architecture:Meeting the Growing Needs of Decision-Makers and the Public for Critical Weather Information

**Training Session Summary**
**Mr.  Samuel P. Williamson**
***Office of the Federal Coordinator for Meteorological Services and Supporting Research***

***National Hurricane Conference***
***Training Session***
***April 6, 2004***

**Notes:**
  At this time we would like to provide a short summary of this training session and offer some ideas for next steps to take to continue the dialog started here today

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-  **Our purpose today was:**
**  ****Examine:**
**  ****Current and future IDT policy**
**  ****Available information dissemination technologies and architectures **
**  ****Acquire feedback: **
**  ****How does the emergency management community view current and planned IDT resources**
**  ****Are there any unmet IDT needs?**

**Notes:**
  Just a quick reminder of the purpose we outlined for the training session...I believe we achieved our purpose based on the great presentations by the panelists and the feedback and discussion you provided.

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***IDT -- The Road Ahead***

-     **Much work still remains to be done--first priorities:**
**  ****Round out the IDT data gathered from your comments and questionnaires**
**  ****Begin work on an assessment to identify and specify the gaps in coverage of IDT user needs**
**  **
**  ****We will email you a summary highlighting the key points from the session   **
**  ****Thank you for your inputs and feedback...they were very much appreciated!**

**Notes:**
  Much work still remains to be done--first priorities:
  Round out the IDT data gathered from your comments and questionnaires by collecting additional data through mailing of the questionnaire to other users and providers of environmental warning information
  Begin work on an assessment to identify and specify the gaps in coverage of IDT user needs through the additional questionnaires and forums or workshops on information dissemination technologies and architecture to meet the growing needs of decision-makers and the public for critical weather information
  For everyone we have an email address for, we will email you a summary highlighting the key points from the session in the very near future
  I want to say “Thank you” for your inputs and feedback...they were very much appreciated!
  I hope you all have a productive time as you continue to attend the NHC and wish you a safe journey home when you travel.  

 This concludes the session.