Defining Common Information Requirements for Supporting Multiagency Emergency Operations

Abstract

Effective response in complex emergency events requires establishing shared situational awareness among the agencies involved, through sharing relevant information and building a common operational picture (COP). However, despite its acknowledged importance, developing effective practices for such information sharing proves to be challenging. A basis for this is identifying what information is critical to share and also defining a well-functioning structure for this. Based on interviews with Norwegian emergency management stakeholders, this study investigates common information requirements for emergency management services and presents an example of a framework for structuring the sharing of critical information and building a COP. The study identified eight common information requirement categories for managing extreme weather scenarios. The focus on common information needs and a process for structured information sharing contributes to a more holistic perspective on cross-sectoral operations than in current practice.