What are the most commonly used emergency management software tools?

1 GIS tools

Geographic information systems (GIS) tools are software that allow users to create, analyze, and visualize spatial data. GIS tools are essential for emergency management because they can provide situational awareness, risk assessment, resource allocation, and impact analysis. For example, GIS tools can help emergency managers map the location and extent of hazards, identify vulnerable populations and infrastructure, monitor the movement and status of responders, and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions. Some of the most widely used GIS tools for emergency management are ArcGIS, QGIS, and Google Earth.

2 EOC tools

Emergency operations center (EOC) tools are software that facilitate the management and coordination of emergency operations at various levels and locations. EOC tools can help emergency managers organize and share information, communicate and collaborate with stakeholders, track and assign tasks, and document and report actions. For example, EOC tools can help emergency managers create and update incident action plans, maintain a common operating picture, monitor and alert key indicators, and generate and disseminate situational reports. Some of the most popular EOC tools for emergency management are WebEOC, E-Team, and CrisisTrack.

3 Mass notification tools

Mass notification tools are software that enable the delivery of messages and alerts to large and diverse audiences. Mass notification tools can help emergency managers inform and instruct the public, staff, and partners about the status and actions related to an emergency. For example, mass notification tools can help emergency managers send and receive voice calls, text messages, emails, and social media posts, customize and segment messages based on the audience and the channel, and collect and analyze feedback and responses. Some of the most commonly used mass notification tools for emergency management are Everbridge, Rave Alert, and AlertMedia.

4 Simulation tools

Simulation tools are software that allow users to create and test scenarios and models of potential or actual emergencies. Simulation tools can help emergency managers prepare and train for emergencies, evaluate and improve plans and procedures, and explore and compare alternative solutions. For example, simulation tools can help emergency managers simulate the behavior and effects of hazards, the response and performance of resources, and the outcomes and impacts of decisions. Some of the most frequently used simulation tools for emergency management are Simtable, HAZUS, and CAMEO.

6 Collaboration tools

Collaboration tools are software that support the interaction and cooperation of individuals and groups involved in emergency management. Collaboration tools can help emergency managers establish and maintain relationships, exchange and access information, and coordinate and align actions. For example, collaboration tools can help emergency managers create and join networks and communities of practice, use and contribute to shared databases and repositories, and facilitate and participate in meetings and workshops. Some of the most widely used collaboration tools for emergency management are Slack, Zoom, and Google Workspace.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?