How can you use technology to advance your emergency planning career?

Staying updated and continual practice is very vital. I’ve worked at several different agencies now, and I cannot tell you how many times I’ve been told the emergency plans have not been updated for a certain amount of years or we’ve not had any exercises for several years. We cannot keep up-to-date with technology or our skill set if we don’t practice or stay updated. It’s good practice to see what other cities or agencies are doing. We are here to help each other out because when major events occur, we will all be in it together.

In my experience, I use some software app planning to forecast and create simulations in terms of facing unexpected outcomes and how to quickly adjust to alternative operations to mitigate effects of unplanned events. Advisable to use the software for short term periods and re-adjust occurrence planning within a regulated timeframe; as logistics planning is very dynamic so meeting up to frequent changes should be well focused. e.g. environmental, economical, societal, political changes etc.

You can deploy technology in learning and having lots of information about emergency planning. In addition, taking short online certification courses on emergency planning will get you certified in emergency planning and management. For others, who may not have access to real time workplaces, videos on emergency planning and management are available on YouTube to provide practical scenarios on emergency planning and response with different case studies. These technological facilities are provided to support people in building their careers in emergency planning for different workplaces.

Technology allows for the interconnectedness with team and groups all over the world. This allows brain storming, meetings. Training, and workshops to further collaborate on connected problems and projects. This extends to the sharing of knowledge, news, and best practices faster then ever before. Leveraged properly could lead to ever evolving organizational growth.

Today is a fast changing world where emerging technologies are impacting world on 24x7 basis and it is true in Risk And Crisis Management also.AI analytics tools are providing predictive analysis that present a real time scenario or simulation of Situational Awareness in order to plan Disaster Recovery Plan for each crisis including unprecedented ones such as Pandemic or Radio Nuclear Emergency or Biological or Chemecal Agent scare.Another most important aspect that is emerging is as a biggest geo-political risk is Terrorism and emergence of non-state actors as terrorists organisations are richest, equipped with best fighting resources and has radicalised forces to fight and it is most dangerous risk now global supply chain is encountering.

The FEMA Emergency Management Institute (EMI) offers a series of free online courses, encompassing diverse facets of emergency management. Among these, "ICS 100," "NIMS 700," and "National Response Framework 800" stand as crucial foundational courses, providing fundamental insights into emergency response systems. LinkedIn Learning's "Emergency Planning and Preparedness," developed by Darin Klemchuk, delves deep into the core elements of emergency planning. It equips learners with an in-depth understanding of crucial strategies and frameworks required for effective emergency management and planning. These courses collectively offer a diverse and comprehensive foundation for a successful career in emergency planning and management.

There are so many online / offline cources but I would like to suggest that read a lot as per your need and make out what can benefit you in the present position and in times ahead and according prepare for that certification. You can check the authenticity of cources as well as of certification. Your own research in the filed you are looking for shall bring you in a position that you have an innovative solution that rovides you a competetive adavantage as well as inspiration to do the best with confidance. So, be selective for quality & contents of the course. Online provides you a great amount of flexibility and repeat occurances and after undergoing you may interact professionals in that field on LinkedIn and practice expertise.

When you are looking into obtaining certifications, be sure they align with your career goals. Having a bunch of letters after your name that don't support your goals just look like just that, a bunch of letters. If there are professionals in your network that have certifications you are considering, ask them questions about it; why did they seek that certification, do they feel it will benefit their career, tell them why you're looking into obtaining it and ask their thoughts/recommendations. Every certifications should serve a purpose and fulfill what you want to accomplish in your career. As you grow, you may move into other areas where different certifications support that shift. Always ask others and research which are best aligned.

My engagement with the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM) has been key to my professional growth in emergency management. Through IAEM's online forums and regional platforms, I've connected with a cadre of experienced professionals who have guided me through complex scenarios, allowing me to refine my preparedness and response strategies. You can participate in a mentorship program or serve on a committee, which can be done remotely. These technological touchpoints can support career advancement, facilitate critical knowledge exchange, and foster a sense of global community and shared purpose that is vital in our field.

People say that mentors, peers and even subordinates means to say that teams are working under you ,there all feedbacks are important so that you find a best fit with their support rather interaction with them and transparency in these interaction shall provide the greay areas where with preparations and skilling yourself in order to update your self is indeed a great help to you learn and there are amany social media plateforms where you could interact with the professionals.Once you win over a confidance of your mentors and rub shoulders with your peers in a transparent manner valuing their opinion then half the battle is won.So, in amy emergency plannning the confidance & trust among teams is very important to act instantly.

In my role as a security supervisor, leveraging technology is pivotal for advancing my emergency planning career. Key strategies include: Risk Assessment Tools: Utilize GIS mapping and risk assessment tools for precise hazard identification. Emergency Notification Systems: Implement robust notification systems for timely communication during emergencies. Simulation Software: Use simulation tools for realistic training exercises and plan refinement. Collaboration Platforms: Employ collaboration tools for real-time information sharing among response teams. Data Analytics: Apply data analytics for predictive planning by analyzing historical trends and patterns. Drones and Remote Sensing: integrate drones and remote sensing.

Given the fluidity of emergency planning, much of today's technology creates many avenues for people in this profession to collaborate, learn from each other, train, brainstorm, strategize, and centralized hubs can be created where ideas can be exchanged, debates be carried out, and resources shared; the list goes on. The most important elements in an emergency scenario are communication and coordination, and today's technology only strengthens those elements.

Utilize data analytics tools to analyze historical emergency data and trends. Visualize data to identify patterns, hotspots, and areas prone to specific types of emergencies. Use tools like Geographic Information System (GIS) for spatial analysis.

The tools have changed and are forever changing. Emergency Management professionals should constantly be in the mindset of, “how do I do more with less”. Easier said than done, but simply stated, become more efficient. Work smarter not harder. Automate redundant or routine tasks. Use artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze or summarize data (trust but verify). AI is a powerful tool. Use it regularly and responsibly to take your emergency planning career to the next level.

Utilizing comprehensive software packages like Teams to set up and operate virtual Emergency Operation Centers is a game changer for this entire industry. It makes key players in your organization available immediately regardless of their location, and gives them access to all required resources regardless of their location. It also gives you instant mobility should your primary Emergency Operations Center become compromised by the Emergency that is underway.

There are so many different software applications and technological advances in emergency management that it is sometimes difficult to keep up. Look for something that is intuitive to use, has value to the organization and if all else fails, get some "old fashioned'" eyes on the incident. Learn to use a map, compass, and don't be afraid to go low tech if technology fails.