EM Tech #19: Right Data, Right Time - The Art of Essential Elements of Information

Hey EM Tech Family! ??

If you've been following along you probably know my obsession with Essential Elements of Information or the data that we collect when managing an incident. The truth bomb? "The best decisions in emergency management aren't made with more data - they are made with the right data at the right time." Let's dive deeper into this critical insight.

The Data Drowning Problem

We've all been there - activated EOCs drowning in data streams:

• Multiple agencies reporting various metrics
• Social media feeds flooding with updates
• Weather reports from different sources
• Resource requests piling up
• Situation reports growing by the minute

Yet more data doesn't always mean better decisions. In fact, it often leads to:

• Decision paralysis
• Missed critical information
• Delayed response times
• Information overload
• Exhausted personnel

The EEI Revolution: Less is More

Here's where Essential Elements of Information (EEIs) become your lifeline. Think of EEIs as your incident's vital signs - the key indicators you need to make informed decisions. It may be overwhelming from a pre-collection standpoint and that's not an issue. There will be so many items on the list and the EEIs associated with that item. What might be difficult is how to consolidate all of that data into a single dashboard view at a high level. From that high level allow those individuals to drill down as granular as needed to understand why.

Pre-Planning Your Data Strategy

Core EEIs by Incident Type:

Hurricane ??

• Power outage locations and estimates
• Road closures and evacuation routes
• Shelter status and capacity

Wildfire ??

• Fire perimeter and spread direction
• Evacuation zones
• Air quality measurements

Public Health Crisis ??

• Hospital capacity
• Resource availability
• Case distribution

Dynamic Adjustment Framework:

• Start with core EEIs
• Add incident-specific elements
• Remove irrelevant data points
• Adjust collection frequency

Making It Work: The Action Plan

Step 1: Pre-Define Your EEIs

• Create incident-specific templates
• Identify primary data sources
• Establish collection methods
• Set update frequencies

Step 2: Build Your Collection Network

• Identify key stakeholders
• Establish reporting channels
• Create backup methods
• Test the process regularly

Step 3: Implementation Strategy

• Train your team on EEI priorities
• Create quick-reference guides
• Establish validation processes
• Regular review and updates

Tech Tools That Help

?? Recommended Solutions:

• Dashboard builders for real-time EEI visualization
• Automated data collection systems
• Mobile reporting apps
• Integration platforms

Pro Tips from the Field

1. The "Three-Click Rule" Any critical data should be accessible within three clicks Prioritize visual representations Enable quick filtering and sorting
2. The "Delete Button Strategy" Regularly review and remove unnecessary data points Focus on actionable information Keep reports concise and relevant

Your Action Items This Week

Audit Your Current EEIs

• What data do you actually use?
• What's missing?
• What's redundant?

Create Your EEI Playbook

• List core elements by incident type
• Define collection methods
• Establish update frequencies
• Document validation processes

Let's Connect

Drop a comment below:

?? What's your most valuable EEI during incidents?

?? How do you prevent information overload?

?? What tools help you manage data effectively?

Stay focused and collect what matters, James

Remember: The goal isn't to collect everything - it's to collect what matters, when it matters.