Analysis of the Potential of IT System Support in Early Warning Systems: Mitigating Flood Risk in Poland.

Abstract

Nowadays, extreme weather and atmospheric conditions are becoming more frequent and more intense. It seems obvious that together with climate change, the vulnerability of the public and of individual regions to the risks of various types of natural hazards also increases. This would increase the importance of organization concerning potential measures to protect against these extraordinary events, and to prepare for reducing their ramifications.One such initiative is the creation of an early warning system for inhabitants of a given area of a country, to help guard against the extraordinary threat associated with a natural disaster; especially floods. The creation of such a system is aimed at increasing public safety and limiting losses caused by the occurrence of natural, technological, and synergistic hazards. Particular emphasis during the construction of a current system is placed on supporting flood risk management, which is aimed at increasing the safety of citizens and reducing losses caused by the occurrence of flooding in Poland. This would be possible by the identification of areas threatened by flooding throughout the country, and then limiting economic expansion in these areas.Ultimately, the project aims to consolidate information regarding hazardous events and gather them in a professional Information Technology (IT) system, using an integrated database and a modern module for disseminating information to end users. The system is to provide access to this information for both the administration and the individual citizen.This article presents the potential of a so called "IT System for the Country's Protection Against Extreme Hazards," which is currently being developed in Poland, with particular emphasis on reducing the risks related to natural disasters and minimizing the problems of crisis management in Poland. This article is also aimed at opening discussions and creating a basis for the exchange of information from countries implementing similar solutions, especially neighboring countries, with which joint action could be undertaken.