Joplin Mo. The value of an online GIS community

This is a map made using ArcGIS online map tool as part of a class participation exercise... Use this link or simply hit the map below.  http://bit.ly/iUF2rN



“Proper Prior Planning Prevents Pathetically Poor Performance”

An old Marine Major I used to work with often quoted this line and it applies very much to preparing for hazards such as Tornados. There must be a sense of urgency when preparing for such things as tornados. We must take responsibility to help where ever we can. As GIS practioners, we can make a difference. Understandably, some areas are more prone to these events than others. I live on the Gulf Coast where tornados are rare but dealing with hurricanes is highly likely. So I am prepared for that type of occurrence.

Who are the stakeholders in these events? “Everyone” is a stakeholder from the federal government down to the individual. In this assignment, we have been directed to think about the debris removal. The EPA site from our assignment has an excellent paragraph what we can do.

“Preparing a disaster debris management plan in advance can pay off in the event of a natural disaster. Planning can help a community identify its debris collection, recycling, and disposal options. Although the recovery process will take a long time, perhaps even years, careful planning will prevent costly mistakes, speed recovery, and avoid creation of more waste. A plan also can save money by identifying cost-effective debris management options and sources of help, increasing control over debris management in your community, and improving administrative efficiency” http://www.epa.gov/osw/conserve/rrr/imr/cdm/pubs/disaster.htm#cando  


Everyone can do something. We (as GIS) folks can put our names into our local authorities as volunteers to do the GIS work. We can use the ArcGIS site to collaborate. This would be useful to the victims, and the helpers (often times the same people). Most of us have printers so we can print out maps for all to use. As one of our esteemed colleagues living through the Joplin tornado pointed out, almost everyone can use a paper map. We can put debris collection sites, hazardous materials sites, first-aid sites etc on these maps. We can and should help because we can and will make a difference!