Information systems: Key to effective management of civil Emergencies

Abstract

Abstract In fulfilling its goal of ensuring an emergency management capability which can optimize the saving of lives and minimize property damage, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has created an infrastructure and programs which focus on this two‐fold task. As an underpinning for this challenging role, an Integrated Emergency Management System (IEMS) has been established on a “foundation of preparedness and response elements.” A salient element of the IEMS concept is the National Emergency Management System (NEMS), the key mechanism for information collection, processing, and exchange in support of the nation's emergency management community.