· Web viewis aprivately owned station that operates four separate Radio Stations from its...

Collaborative Tools for Emergency Response in a National Disaster

Report prepared for;

Disaster Management Office, Apia, Samoa

Prepared by: HEAL, Apia, Samoa

January20 2012

This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the Government of the Independent State of Samoa or theDisaster Management Office of Samoa, and cannot be held liable for its contents.

1 | P a g e

Abbreviations and Acronyms

ALERTS Automated Live Emergency Response Telecommunications SystemCBDRM Community Based Disaster Risk ManagementDAC Disaster Advisory CommitteeDMO Disaster Management OfficeDEM Act Disaster and Emergency Management ActDRM Disaster Risk ManagementDRR Disaster Risk ReductionEPC Electrical Power CorporationGSM Global System for Mobile CommunicationsMAF Ministry of Agriculture and FisheriesMNRE Ministry of Natural Resources and EnvironmentMWCSD Ministry of Women, Community and Social DevelopmentMWTI Ministry of Works, Transport and InfrastructureNDMP National Disaster Management PlanNEOC National Emergency Operations CentreSFESA Samoa Fire and Emergency Service AuthoritySMS Short Message ServiceSRCS Samoa Red Cross SocietySWA Samoa Water AuthorityVERT Volunteer Emergency Response Team

2 | P a g e

Table of Contents Abbreviations and Acronyms .......................................................................................................................... ii

Table of Contents ........................................................................................................................................... iii

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ................................................................................................................................ 4

1 INTRODUCTION ..........................................................................................................................................5

2. Warning System Current Status………………………………………………………………………................. 5

2.1 Activating the Warning……………………………………………………………………………………5

2.1.2 Delivery Mechanisms…………………………………………………………………………………...5

2.2.1 SMS…………………………………………………………………………................52.2.2 Sirens…………………………………………………………………………………...62.2.3 Radio……………………………………………………………………………………62.2.4 TV………………………………………………………………………………………. 72.2.5 Community Action…………………………………………………………………..... 7

3. ALERTS!......................................................................................................................................................8

3.1 ALERTS! Warning System Components……………………………………………………………….83.1.1 Mercalli Index System………………………………………….……………..…………….....

93.1.2 Cell Broadcast Platform ……………………………………………………………………103.1.3 USSD platform………………………………………………………………………………...

123.1.4 Location Specific SMS delivery……………………………………………………………...

143.1.5 IVR Voice Platform …………………………………………...………………………………

163.1.6Computer Warning Platform ………………………………………………………………... 173.1.7 Common Alert Protocol……………….……………………………………………………...

19

3.2 ALERTS CONNECT System components……………………………………………………………203.2.1ALERTS CONNECT Core…………………………………………………………………... 203.2.2Proposed Core upgrade……………………………………………………………………... 213.2.3 Additional Training…………………………………………………………………………… 223.2.4Common Operational Datasets…………………………………………………………….. 223.2.5 Mobile App……………………………………………………………………………………. 243.2.6 Call/SMSLocation Platform……………………………………………………………….. 243.2.7 Field Reporting Situation Wheel…………………………………………………………….263.2.8 Streetlevel Mapping…………….…………………………………………………………….273.2.9 997 Call overflow voice mailbox…………………………………………………………….293.2.10 997 SMS management platform…………………………………………………………...

29

4. Costing Summary………………………………………………………………………………………………….30

5. Summary……………………………………………………………………………………………………………31

6. About HEAL…………………………………………………………………………………………………………31

3 | P a g e

4 | P a g e

Executive Summary

ALERTS! Is a comprehensive communication system designed to provide warning information via phone call, SMS and Cell Broadcast as well as triggering the Sirens and Broadcasts over Radio, Computer and TV channels. ALERTS also links to ALERTS CONNECT, the emergency management system developed for the NEOC to record and coordinate emergency response.

Developing ALERTS! in Samoa was beneficial,as all the disadvantages of a developing nation exist for disaster warning and management, (low resource base, low skill, low staff numbers). Yet Samoa also has well developed infrastructure to allow for development and testing of the concepts for the system without adding additional environmental factors.

Initially endorsed by Cabinet in April 2010, ALERTS! has continued to expand its capabilities in emergency warning delivery and interactive communication.

The principal behind ALERTS! has spent the last two years researching, compiling,developing and negotiating the necessary services for ALERTS! to become an effective warning platform for developing nations. The full system is now available for little more than the initial quotes that were being provided for a typical Cell Broadcast implementation.

ALERTS! CONNECT has already been recognized as groundbreaking in terms of cost and services provided for developing nations. A host of humanitarian agenciesare following its development with interest (SOPAC, UN-SPIDER, Stand By Task Force, Harvard Humanitarian Initiative, Secure World Foundation,UNOCHA, GDACS, US State Department, USGS, DigitalGlobe, Google, GISCorps, EuropeanCommission Joint Research Center (JRC).

COSTING SUMMARY (Includes 5 year maintenance and support fees)ALERTS! Warning system components. Cost USDMercalli Index System $9,000 Reduces time for a warning to be broadcast, enhances accuracy.Cell Broadcast Platform $330,000The most effective method of delivering threat detail direct to the publicUSSD System $87,500Real time 2 way link to people who can select from menu of help Location specific SMS delivery System $90,000Useful for targeting small populations of mobile users to deliver local warningIVR Voice Platform $290,000Real Time verified delivery of warning and interaction with key decision makersComputer Warning Platform $34,000Provides instant screen warning to all connected computersStandardisation of messaging using Common Alert Protocol (CAP) $11,000

ALERTS CONNECTUpgrade to automated report management $17,500Mobile (Ushahidi app) for Blackberry $6,500Additional Training budget $17,500Additional Common Operational Database sets budget $11,000Field Reporting Situation Wheel $6,500Streetlevel Mapping Database $170,000 Call/SMS Location Platform $120,000997 Call overflow voice mailbox $20,000997 SMS management platform $8,500

TOTAL $1,229,000

5 | P a g e

Introduction

Since the Samoan Tsunami in 2009 the global level of activity for disaster notification has been alarming in the past two years. Resulting from Samoan Tsunami, reinforced by Chile Tsunami and culminating in the Japan Tsunami in March, awareness of the danger from major Tsunami’s is at an all-time high.

The additional impact of Cyclone Yasi in Australia, Christchurch’s devastating earthquakes, volcanic eruptions in Chile and Mexico, record flooding, record breaking tornadoes and hurricanes in the USA, natural disaster awareness is also at a high.

Samoa is a country prone to several major natural hazards so the current focus is on urgent building of capacity for Disaster Management. A serious impact from a cyclone is now imminently expected with each season that arrives.

There has been a large amount of work done in the direction of disaster response with the formation of the VERT, the bolstering of the Emergency Services, community education and the current development of the NEOC and its ALERTS! communication systems. These solutions are working to enhance the speed and effectiveness of delivery of warning information to the public.

2. Warning System Current Status

The current warning system has inherent delays, both in activation and delivery. The activation side has excellent analytical services provided by the Meteorology Service. The weakness is in being able to communicate the information rapidly to the delivery systems.

The delivery systems for Samoa are built from patchwork efforts from various involved parties to create a rudimentary system. While basic in its design, it does show ingenuity by the parties contributing to be able to develop a system with very little to no funding. However, there are significant weaknesses in the system with time being lost because the system is not automated end to end. And time is the most critical element to survival in some hazards.

2.1 Activating the Warning

The most time critical assessment to activate a warning is that of an earthquake and possibly Tsunami. In this case the Meteorology Office tasks four key people to make a determination on threat level by guessing the strength of the earthquake. As this is a subjective determination there are four “experiences” of the earthquake to combine and come up with a final analysis. They use a process called The Mercalli Scale Index.

The key issue for this analysis is communication with the team being able to discuss their experiences with each other. As there is no set time for when an earthquake could occur, this poses some difficulties for each team member being available at any time. It is vital that they can reach each other in order to make as accurate an assessment as possible as the entire country of Samoa relies on their assessment.

It is strategically important to find a way to link the team together at any time to assist in their assessment and generate the warning as quickly and accurately as possible

2.2 Delivery Mechanisms

2.2.1 SMS

6 | P a g e

SMS or Short Message Service is a message delivery system that operates on Digital networks, usually cellular. It comprises a short text message limited in characters, usually 160, and delivered to specific phone numbers.

As a majority of the population now has a mobile phone, SMS is a critical mass system of information delivery. The messages are sent to a specific database of numbers. This needs to be constantly updated when people lose or change their phones and numbers.

The strength of SMS is that it can provide detail on what is happening and advise a response directly to key individuals that have a capacity to mobilise the general population.

The weaknesses are that sms cansuffer in delivery at the most critical time, its not location specific, anyone can send one and the delivery is relatively slow compared to other services.

When people are trying to communicate en mass via their mobiles, they overwhelm the cellular and landline networks. This in turn affects all commercial messaging, including sms, so any messages are delayed.

With a changing situation as a disaster unfolds this can cause significant confusion as to what the situation currently is. There have been instances of multiple messages being sent out with different information but being received at the same time. So it is difficult to know which is the correct message for that particular time.

Standard SMS delivery also does not determine the location of a phone. A receiver may not be in the critical impact zone of a pending disaster yet would receive a message but not be able to immediately contribute to the wellbeing of their local population.

Additionally, anyone can send an SMS. People have been panicked by prank SMS’s which they weren’t sure was real but passed on to their friends and family anyway. The receiving person then sees a message from someone they know and accepts it as genuine, and so forth.

It is essential to have a timely message delivery system that can provide accurate and authoritative information without being impacted by an overloaded Cellular and landline network.

2.2.2 Sirens

The effectiveness of sirens to warn of impending danger has been well documented by the success of the Sinalei siren during the 2009 Tsunami.

Activation of the siren saved the lives of almost everybody within its range when the Tsunami was rushing in.

The New Zealand Government has provided initial funding of NZ$150,000 to Samoa (as part of a multi-million dollar project for 5 pacific nations) to begin development of a siren system. This is currently underway.

2.2.3 Radio

Radio is a lifeline for communication to Samoa as almost all families have a radio even if they do not have TV or a phone. It is one of the most basic forms of communication available during a disaster.

Radio 2AP on AM frequency is the official station for emergency warnings before, during and after natural disasters. The station works in a close relationship with the MNRE (specifically

7 | P a g e

Meteorology and DMO) to ensure live and prerecorded messages are broadcast. Radio 2AP is the most wide ranging radio station therefore most suited to delivery of official messages.

Radio Polynesia Ltd.is aprivately owned station that operates four separate Radio Stations from its Savalalo Headquarters in Apia, Samoa. The FM stations tend to be listened to by younger people so it is important that they also can receive information pertaining to an event or impending danger.

The biggest problem with radio delivery is in the initial setup of the emergency warning as this is a manual process. Time delays can occur when people are not onsite to set the systems up for message delivery.

An automated system would allow immediate transmission of emergency messages thus saving considerable potential delay in getting the information out to the populace. This is a simple IP interface connecting a voice message delivery controller directly to the radio broadcasting equipment.

2.2.4 TV

Like Radio, TV is an important part of the current information delivery to the general population. There are several stations and they cover a good part of the country.

It suffers the same initial delays in being able to get the message out in that it’s a manual process to set up the systems for delivery. This can also be easily automated to allow for immediate message delivery via a scrolling device providing a message across the screen.

2.2.5 Community Action

One of the key issues surrounding the response to large earthquakes has been the lack of time to get an authoritative warning to the people most directly affected. This is a combination of getting authoritative information processed in time as well as being able to deliver that information quickly. With the current systems this is not possible.

The general consensus is that people need to take their own initiative during an event.

The process operates much like the Meteorology Team assessing earthquakes via the Mercalli Index. If a person feels an earthquake they need to decide if they feel it was enough to be a threat of Tsunami to mobilise to safety.

Community based efforts are currently being implemented to improve village awareness to potential threats so they can be self-sufficient in their response to a threat.

The inherent difficulties are that people not used to feeling earthquakes are unsure about whether one is threatening or not. People also don’t like to look silly or waste time on false alarms.

That period of indecision could be all it takes between being safe and not being safe. This magnifies when a key decision maker is hesitant while the populace he is responsible for waits.

But community based awareness is the first line of defense against a threat and timely official announcements can only enhance the response and assist decision making.

3. ALERTS!

ALERTS! Is a comprehensive warning system designed to rapidly provide information to key public members via Phone call, Sms and Cell Broadcast as well as triggering the Sirens and Broadcasts over Radio, Computer and TV channels. ALERTS also links to ALERTS CONNECT,

8 | P a g e

the emergency management system developed for the NEOC to record and coordinate emergency response.

ALERTS!stands for “Automated Live Emergency Response Telecommunications System”

ALERTS! is being developed by HEAL in Samoa in conjunction with a number of specialized suppliers of telecommunications services. HEAL is a communications and new media consultancy.

The background of ALERTS! came from discussions in March 2009, about a concept for a tsunami warning system. Additional motivation to develop the system was borne from the September 29 Tsunami and following Tsunami scare on Oct 7 2009.

The Tsunami Warning System utilizes state of the art technology from Stanford University, USA and allows an accurate determination of the threat level within 30 seconds. This compares to existing warning technology available via PTWC of about 5 minutes. The system is still in experimental phase, but it did raise enough interest in the warning delivery methods of the system to allow for approval for development.

In Thursday 20 January 2011, the ALERTS CONNECT information management system was introduced as a working demonstration. On Friday 21 January a request came from the Disaster Management Office to activate the system in order to manage information coming from a possible strike from Cyclone Wilma which was heading towards Samoa.

Within an hour the system was enabled to a full operating system. People were introduced and trained on the system within two hours and successfully managed to monitor reports coming in from around Samoa and contributed to the management of the crisis.

The simplicity of the system combined with its capability to manage large volumes of data, convinced the Disaster Management Office to adopt the system. ALERTS CONNECT software is also support by a global group of volunteers who are constantly enhancing its capabilities.

3.1 ALERTS! Warning System components

ALERTS! is a warning delivery system made up of a number of connected delivery modules. The system works by utilizing a number of the modules to get a message out as there is no one failsafe method for delivering a warning. Each method has its strengths and weaknesses

These modules include delivery of warning messages via automated voice call via landline phone, cell phone call, sms messages to cell phones, message delivery via Cell Broadcast, signals via TV and radio channels, computer screens and alarm systems.

9 | P a g e

3.1.1 Mercalli Index System

When an earthquake occurs a team of 4 specialists at the Samoa Met Office get together to determine the level of warning that gets sent out by what they felt. The biggest concern about the method is that the team has to corroborate to determine an alert.

With a disaster striking at any time it was important to find a way that allowed the team to meet up no matter where they were at the time.

The ALERTS! Mercalli index app provides the key decisionmaking teamat the Meteorology Office, a way that allows access from any location (e.g. away from the office) to enable rapid and informed decisions that allow an emergency message to be broadcast in the fastest possible time.

Only the team can access the system via their mobile smartphones and join into a group decision about what level of threat is to be advised to key responders and the public.The app advises each of the users who is connected and thus able to participate in the decision making process. They can also send messages and talk to each other via the platform and discuss their decisions.

The Mercalli Index App will additionally increase accuracy of the resulting warning message which is critical for the Advisory Agencies in keeping credibility with the public.

If the Mercalli app is compromised by network limitation a back-up system is being devised to allow the team to call into a conference call and discuss the options for selecting the warning level by touch tone (within the Voice IVR platform).The Mercalli app was created and designed by HEAL.

Cost: USD$9000

Timeline.

Activity 0Month

1 2

Deposit Software development

Testing

Acceptance

Implementation

3.1.2Cell Broadcast Platform

Cell Broadcast is not a new service. In fact, it has resided in the GSM network since GSM was

10 | P a g e

developed but was never considered for emergency services until recently. Now it is the most discussed option of the cellular emergency tools available.as a way of getting detailed emergency information out to the public instantly.

Cell Broadcast operates in a manner similar to SMS in that it provides a delivery method of text messaging to phones.Yet the advantages over sms are significant. These being;

1. Immunity to network congestion. During network congestion phone calls are blocked, SMS messages are delayed but Cell Broadcast is not affected at all which is why it is critical.

2. Speed of delivery!The networksin Samoa produce about 1600 SMS messages a minute or 270 every 10 seconds. Cell Broadcast can reach allenabled phones within Samoa in 10 seconds.

3. Ability to provide warnings by location.Cell Broadcast can target specific locations and reach phones within that location.

4. Messages come only from trusted sources (unlike sms where anyone can start panic via a prank message) and there are multiple channels available that can be used to target specific groups.

While Cell Broadcast resides in the GSM system, it requires a control server (CBE) to manage the formulation and delivery location of the messages. This control system plugs into the main telecommunications network to send the messages via the cellular system.

Cell Broadcast platform will provide a method of delivering large volumes of real time delivery messages in time of Disaster.

Virtually all GSM phones have the capability to receive Cell Broadcast but do need to have the service activated in the phones.

A proposal to assist the activation of GSM phones of 4000 key people in Samoa is linked with the implementation of the Cell Broadcast service.

This will be done in cooperation with the networks. Each phone needs to have its cell broadcast feature set up in order for the phone to be able to receive the messages. Much like a radio needs to be tuned into a certain station.

Cell Broadcast has 65000 “stations” available for use. Each station is able to carry a different message to the phone. These can be for sending messages in various languages or sending to specific groups only (e.g. fire volunteers in a certain area).

Why is Cell Broadcast critical?

It works when other services don’t due to congestion. Fastest way to get a warning out. Only from authorised sources

11 | P a g e

Can target a specific location Multiple channels available for language options or specific groups

Pricing breakdown

Sr. No Item Description Qty Unit $ TotalServers

Server Rack Mount Telecommunications server with redundancy 2 $11,000 $22,000

Accessories

Rack 24U Rack with mounted monitor, keyboard and mouse 1 $1,000 $1,000

UPS Professional Rack/Tower LCD 2250W 2U Line Interactive UPS 2 $2,500 $5,000

Software

License OS/Database and software Licenses 1 $100,00

0 $100,000

Professional Services

Travel/Accom/Per diem 40 $1,500 $60,000

Annual Service Fee 5 $18,000 $90,000

Project Management Fee 1 $10,000 $10,000

Phone setup fee 4000 $10.50 $42,000

USD $330,000

Tala $742,500

Timeline

The project is to be customized to integrate into the ALERTS! system and requires working in with other telecommunications modules to be fully compliant. The programming is done by the supplier in close liaison with HEAL. Estimated timeline from order to operation is 6 months from funding.

Activity 0 1 2Month

3 4 5 6

Deposit

Purchase of Components Platform Customisation and Installation

Web Interface

12 | P a g e

Testing

Acceptance

Training and Launch

Sustainability

Cost:Almost all of the ALERTS! modules are beneficial to a number of other agencies. There exists an opportunity to sell access to the services to the other agencies thereby generating revenue to support ongoing license fees and support.

For example; Ministry of Health can put out a nationwide cell broadcast for anyone displaying symptoms of Influenza in an H5N1 outbreak, Police can send out an alert to specific locations during a car chase in progress, Fire dept. can alert to a hazardous chemical leak to people downwind.

Skill: The system requires a degree of skill to operate which creates a risk of skilled staff being unavailable through attrition. It is important to have regular training sessions for a select group to ensure someone is able to operate the system at all times. Two training sessions a year are built into the annual fees.

3.1.3 USSD Platform

USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) is not a new service. It has resided in the GSM network since GSM was developed. USSD is supported by every GSM handset. No additional application, phone menu or sim menu is needed for USSD to function.

USSD is a session oriented technology and hence it supports menus and transactions. Contrasting with SMS, it offers real time connection during a session. The connection remains open, allowing a two-way exchange of a sequence of data. It is generally associated with real-time or instant messaging services.

All USSD services are accessed by dialing numbers between * and #. The handset recognizes those numbers and forwards the request to the USSD server instead of initializing a normal call or a data call. A common use of USSD is when a person checks their prepay balance. The vendor's "check balance" application hides the details of the USSD protocol from the user

A USSD message can be up to 182 alphanumeric characters in length. USSD would be used in an emergency to gather more information about people in need. A message would be sent out via

13 | P a g e

sms, or preferably via cell broadcast, to the location asking people if they need help. If they need help then they dial *997# (or similar) to initiate the USSD session. Upon initiation, on their phone screen will come a menu that they can select options from. The responses from USSD sessions can plug straight into ALERTS CONNECT to create a report. This provides an efficient method of gathering information from the field of interest.

Why USSD?

Works on every handset Real time link, no delayed messaging Easiest method of obtaining structured requests for help Requests can easily be converted to reports in ALERTS CONNECT

Cost

Sr. No Item Description Qty Unit $ Total

Servers

Processor Rack Mount Telecommunications server with redundancy 2 $6,000 $12,000

Accessories

Rack Fold out mounted monitor, keyboard and mouse 1 $1,000 $1,000

Software

License OS/Database and software Licenses 1 $55,000 $55,000




USD $87,500

Tala $196,875

Timeline

Activity 0 1Month

2 3 4

Deposit Purchase of Components Platform Customisation and Installation Web Interface development

Testing

Acceptance

Training and Launch

14 | P a g e

Sustainability

Cost: There is value in the system for other agencies. For example; Ministry of Health can use USSD to query a target area on disease prevalence, Police could use USSD for asking a community what services are most important to them. Any survey or multi choice questionnaire can be run via USSD.

Skill: Operating the USSD platform is easier than Cell Broadcast or Geo-targeted SMS and requires little in the way of skill levels other than knowing how to structure the session. Training is supplied for two years on the system.

3.1.4 Location specific SMS delivery (GEO-targeted SMS)

Compared to Cell Broadcast, SMS is slow and usually you cannot tell where a person is at the time they receive an SMS. Cell Broadcast is an immediate location based service that reaches all phones within the target zone. But that is only if they are set up to receive the message. Cell Broadcast is also one way messaging (like a radio) therefore delivery of an emergency message cannot be confirmed.

HEAL has been working on a new concept where SMS can be sent to all phones in a specific area.

Cell phones in a specific location are instantly identified via their connection to a target cell tower.

If there is a localised disaster, (e.g. major gas leak) the location is pinpointed then a query is sent to the closest cell towersto identify the phones connected to the towers. Those phones are then warned to evacuate the area.

This service is useful in small targeted areas with less than ~1000 phones as this will still allow a message to be sent in under a minute.

A number list is instantly generated then a warning SMS is created and sent out to the specific list. The list does not reveal user identities just the live numbers connected to the tower.

Why Geo-targeted SMS?

Location specific within a cell site zone No change to the cell phone set up so reaches all phones in that area Rapid delivery to a small volume of cell phones Can provide message delivery confirmation

Costing


Servers

Processor Rack Mount Telecommunications server 1 $11,000 $11,000

Accessories


15 | P a g e

Software





USD $90,000

Tala $202,500Timeline

Activity 0 1Month

2 3 4

Deposit

Purchase of Components

Platform Customisation and Installation

Web Interface development

Testing

Acceptance

Training and Launch

Sustainability

Cost: Geo-SMS is a new service and is constantly evolving. The cost includes annual service fees which include any upgrades.

There is value in the system for other agencies. For example;

Ministry of Health can target a specific area to advise for a Dengue outbreak. Fire department can advise on a fire that’s spreading, Police can warn of a suspect in a certain area and watch for anyone suspicious.

Skill: Operating the Geo-SMS platform requires similar skills to the Cell Broadcast Platform..Bi-annual training is included in the annual fees

3.1.5 IVR Voice Platform

16 | P a g e

The ALERTS! Calling Platform is regarded as a vital interactive voice based link to all key decision makers in ensuring they receive the warning messages.

1. Able to simultaneously make 500 calls at once to decision makers within the community, the calling platform delivers an automated voice message that decision makers can interact with.

This enables the system to monitor who is getting the information and who is not.

2. System can be restricted to provide the message only to the designated person regardless of who answers the phone.

3. Can determine if the phone is answered and the message has been understood.

4. The response is recorded in real time to ensure the system knows who has received the message and what other options might be required to ensure delivery.

5. The message can be delivered in English or Samoan.

ALERTS! Calling platform is different to ALERTS! Cell Broadcast in that it provides two way communication in real time and can verify delivery of the emergency message to key personnel.

The Calling platform has a vital role in communicating information rapidly for decision making but also controlling who has access to the information..

Why IVR Voice?

Guarantees message delivery Directly interactive with key recipient in real time Instant delivery

Cost:


Servers

Server Rack Mount Telecommunications server with redundancy 2 $11,000 $22,000

Accessories


17 | P a g e

UPS Professional Rack/Tower LCD 2250W 2U Line Interactive UPS 2 $2,500 $5,000

Software



Travel/Accom/Per diem 30 $1,800 $54,000



Key Influencer Phone setup fee 4000 $10.75 $43,000

USD $290,000

Tala $652,500

Timeline

Activity 0 1Month

2 4 5

Deposit

Purchase of Components IVR Platform Customisation and Installation


Testing

Acceptance

Training and Launch

Sustainability

Cost: IVR Voice requires ongoing development for new menus and development of the voice platform and this is costed in a 5 year service plan. The system can be utilized by other Ministries for emergency warnings, as well as in phone surveys

Skill: The system requires a degree of skill to operate which creates a risk of skilled staff being unavailable through attrition. It is important to have regular training sessions for a select group to ensure someone is able to operate the system at all times. Two training sessions a year are built into the annual fees.

3.1.6 ALERTS! Computer Warning Platform

The ALERTS! Computer warning Platform provides a delivery path to every (registered) computer. 18 | P a g e

During an emergency broadcast an emergency message will appear on the screen of the computer warning the user of the threat.

The message can be specific to a group of users (e.g. all computers in one building warning of a fire, or a specific Government Department) or blanket all computers in Samoa that are connected to the Platform.

The networks must be enabled to allow for the signal to access the application on the computer

The program is delivered via email and opened by the user. Instructions for installing the program are provided in the email. The IT departments may be required to allow the program to be installed.

Upon installation the program requests the email address of the user and it sends an email back to the server to verify installation.

The server then regularly displays whether the computer is connected to the system. It resides on the computerin the background much like an instant messenger program.

Once an alert is issued this is transmitted to the program which then activates and takes over the computer screen.

The instructions on what to do are displayed on the screen. The display stays active until the warning is cancelled or updated.

Why Computer Warning? Provides intrusive alert to anyone busy working (connected computer) Works where phones or sirens may not be heard Visual warnings are faster to understand than text based warnings.

Cost:USD$34,000

Timeline:

Activity 0Month

1 2 3

Deposit

Software development

Testing

Acceptance

Implementation

Sustainability:

Cost: The Computer Warning Platform requires no ongoing development other than server maintenance. There is value in the system for other agencies in related warnings.

19 | P a g e

Skill: Operating the platform is relatively easy and requires little in the way of skill levels other than knowing how to structure the message with Common Alert Protocol (CAP).

3.2.8 Common Alert Protocol (CAP)

Common Alert Protocol is a set of structured commands based on a universal language that allows any elements of a warning system to operate regardless of their underlying compatibility.

It has been recommended that ALERTS! Adopt CAP as the communicating standard. This relatively easy to do but does require programming time, consultation and development.

Cost: USD$11,000

Sustainability: Once in place, Common Alert Protocol is self-sustaining

20 | P a g e

3.2 ALERTS CONNECT System Components

3.2.1 ALERTS CONNECT Core

ALERTS CONNECT is the Disaster Information Management System designed to allow assistance from people all around the globe (termed crowdsourcing), to help with processing data streams into usable information. This creates a scalable platform to respond to any size of disaster in Samoa.

This style of system is necessary in a small country, like Samoa, with limited staff, resources and funds, to respond to a major scale disaster, but still maintain the sovereignty of control during the response.

ALERTS CONNECT is based on software that is increasingly being used in monitoring disaster situations. Initially proving its capability in the Haiti Earthquake disaster, the software platform (Ushahidi) is now seen as the standard for crowd sourced response to disaster monitoring and humanitarian action around the world.

In terms of the effectiveness of crowdsourcing, the most poignant example to date was a competition undertaken by DARPA,(Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency)to find ten red weather balloons secretly located (but easy to spot) across the United States of America. The objective of the competition was to explore the roles the Internet and social networking play in the timely communication, crowdsourcing, and urgent mobilization required to solve broad-scope, time-critical problems.

The finding of all ten eight foot red balloons, a feat normally considered impossible via traditional communication means, was achieved in just under 7 hours, a significant testimony to the power of new media, utilizing the “crowd” and its potential impact in time critical situations like disasters.

Many other useful applications where information recording is required have been implemented as well. Some 15,000 uses of the platform have been implemented including, vote monitoring, crime tracking, and political unrest.

The most notable events which have involved United Nations participation have been: Haiti Earthquake, Pakistan Floods, Libya Uprising, Syria Uprising.

While ALERTS CONNECT platform is relatively new to utilization for disaster management, UNOCHA have investigated the system and fully supportive of the development citing Samoa as being at the forefront of this emerging technology.

21 | P a g e

Characteristics of ALERTS CONNECT are:

1. Visually based. Information is able to be comprehended at a glance. This is a map centric system which allows a rapid and easily understood visual analysis of the unfolding situation.

2. Easy to use. The barrier to entry for using the system is very low. A user can be introduced to the system and begin contributing in a basic fashion within 10 minutes. While using they can also learn additional elements of the system to become more adept. This means that anyone can become proficient in using the system This compares to other management systems which take many weeks to understand and a user becomes very specialized and therefore critical to its operation.

3. Scalable. The system can handle 1 or 1000 users contributing to the operation. Each person can sign in from anywhere to assist.

4. Crowdsourcing capability. The system allows for crowdsourcing, a new concept that is being embraced by the United Nations in their quest to find more efficient ways to respond and assist in a time of emergency. People from all walks of life can contribute their time to the running of the system. People are allocated specific tasks (microtasking) within the system and the combination of the “many hands” and small roles make for rapid assimilation of data into usable information.

5. Real Time. Information is rapidly delivered via the system to responders and decision makers in real time

All Ministries as well as responding agencies, can link in and provide essential information which is mapped. This enables therapid understanding of the situation and therefore what response is required in real time.

Any Aid agency or ministry (local and foreign) can be connectedto be apprised of the situation immediately and therefore be able to determine their response efforts.

3.2.2 Proposed Core Upgrade

Upgrade to automated report management via dynamic mapping

ALERTS CONNECT operates with manual input to maintain reports.

Every time there is a change to the status of each report it must be manually handled and updated.

This means each report needs to be handled every time there is a change of status even if it is unimportant. This takes up a lot of time on reports that have no critical importance.

As the original software was designed for monitoring situations and not actively managing them, the status of the reports is also not instantly identifiable on the map.

This requires a customization that currently does not exist via the Ushahidi software.

22 | P a g e

A new design was presented at Geneva to develop a more automated system for emergency management. This would allow the users to instantly see the status of a report by its colour on the map.

A red dot indicates a verified report, an orange dot indicates a report that a responder is taking action, and a green dot to indicate the situation has been resolved.

As the responders report any updates to the status of the report into the system, it automatically upgrades itself on the screen

The system would also reveal the reports needing attention by flashing to indicate they are falling outside agreed parameters set at the time the report was made.

The management team can then intervene and determine what is required to assist the situation to resolution.

There is already a lot of activity in a disaster so minimizing handling is an essential improvement at the management end.

This upgrade is estimated to improve report handling efficiency up to 80% based on the 80:20 rule (80% of the reports will take up 20% of the time.). These reports could basically look after themselves in the system freeing up the needed resource to focus on the difficult 20% of reports.

Cost: USD$17,500 has been put towards the development of the upgrade.

Timeline: Development is expected to take place within 2012

Sustainability: Ushahidi is responsible for the development of the software and have already indicated their interest in developing this concept. There is also a global network of volunteers who assist in developing new tools for Ushahidi which can be introduced to ALERTS CONNECT. The software also links into the Standby Volunteer Taskforce, which can provide training and guidance via the internet.

3.2.3 Additional Training

The benefit of increasing the number of people able to use ALERTS CONNECT was clearly seen during the cyclone exercise on December 3rd 2011. A small group of trained personnel successfully interacted with the volunteer community to handle over 700 incoming requests for assistance.

The resulting discussion highlighted the need for continuing development of the base of people able to quickly sit down at the system and assist in handling the incoming help requests.

Discussions with the Telecommunications companies highlighted an opportunity to train the operators on ALERTS CONNECT to enable them to load reports from incoming emergency calls.

A budget has been included to allow for additional training of volunteers for the 2012 year.

Cost: USD$17,50023 | P a g e

3.2.4Common Operational Datasets

ALERTS CONNECT Database is built up from a series of datasets that are relevant to Samoa. In a disaster these are called upon to provide baseline data so that the reporting Ministries can assess their situation and contribute to developing the real time situation report.

The datasets are made into spreadsheets and then each Ministry is responsible for its own spreadsheet of data in online and (backup) offline versions.

These are all linked back to ALERTS CONNECT which then extracts summary data from each spreadsheet and compiles it into the real time situation report. Each spreadsheet is the exclusive domain of the Ministry responsible and the NEOC. Any other party wanting access to a particular spreadsheet must gain permission from the governing Ministry

It is imperative that these spreadsheets are completed with the most up to date information available to allow accurate and reliable situation reports.

These reports cover status of the population (missing, injured, deceased, displaced), essential infrastructure (roads, power, water, buildings etc.),social infrastructure (money, water, food, and amenities), impacts on crops and livestock, emergency facilities and assets.

Timeline:A number of datasets are still being developed and a budget for this has been set aside to continue the collection.

Cost: USD$11,000

Sustainability: The datasets are a base requirement to the efficient running of the management system during a disaster. It is the mandate of every Ministry to keep its information up to date. However, this does not necessarily get followed which is why many crucial datasets are missing.

Once the datasets arecompiled it is up to the relevant Ministries to keep their spreadsheets up to date. DMO will be regularly monitoring the status of the sheets and chase the lagging ones.

24 | P a g e

3.2.5 Mobile App

ALERTS CONNECT Mobile is seen as a vital extension of ALERTS CONNECT. Responders will need to be in the field yet they will need access to essential information about the unfolding emergency.

ALERTS CONNECT Mobile is being developed for iPhone and Android in conjunction with Ushahidi developers. Blackberry is not on the priority list yet this is the most prevalent smartphone platform in the South Pacific.

Cost: USD$6,500

Timeline: Two months from funding

Sustainability: Once the software is developed, it can be shared with the global community in return for ongoing upgrades and maintenance.

3.2.6 Call /SMS Location Platform

The Call/SMS Location Platform allows rapid mapping locating within seconds of an emergency call (and possibly sms) allowing faster dispatch and delivery of response to those in need.

This service can be operated at the NEOC and interconnects with the carriers to cross reference cellular network data with the user signal.

On landlines it should be easier to locate considering the landline phone is a fixed location system. However this was never properly recorded and discussions are underway with Bluesky to find the best solution.

Such systems exist in many developed nations but have traditionally been prohibitively expensive for developing nations.

Advances in location technology now means such a service is well within range of affordability and recent uses of this technology, as seen in Haiti, are showing the versatility of having real time location ID capability for life saving situations.

Why Call /SMS Location?

Specific for finding where emergency call is coming from

25 | P a g e

Faster arrival of life saving services Verification of caller location and ID (database not 100% complete) Able to assist with SMS messages as well as calls

Cost:

Sr. No Item Description Qty Unit $ TotalServers

Processor Rack Mount Telecommunications server with redundancy 2 $6,000 $12,000

Accessories


Software



Travel/Accom./Per diem 20 $1,000 $20,000Project Management Fee 1 $5,000 $5,000Annual service fee 5 $9,000 $45,000

USD $120,000Tala $270,000

Timeline

Activity 0 1Month

2 3 4

Deposit


Platform Customisation and Installation


Testing

Acceptance

Training and Launch

Sustainability: This service has immediate benefit to any emergency service response. Fire, Police, Ambulance (NHS) and VERTS would benefit considerably. Therefore they will be encouraged to participate in the use and cost of the service once the 5 year service agreement expires

26 | P a g e

.

3.2.7 Field Reporting Situation Wheel

This is a low tech solution for when the networks are challenged for communications and easy entry of a report into sms.

A card wheel is provided in the field. The three wheels correspond to:

Outer wheel - Location, Middle wheel - Situation Inner wheel - Priority.

As each entry on the left side of the wheel lines up inside the viewing window it has a corresponding 3 number code which is unique to that entry. , so you can have a large

number of different types of wheels in the field and still know which version the report is coming from.

For example; there might be a wheel for more specific medical data. Each field will have its own code specific to that wheel

To send in a report you dial the wheel to your present location, select the situation and priority.Then type in the revealed 9 digit number (3 * 3 codes) into an SMS. The SMS is sent into the NEOC and automatically translated back into a report.

A confirmation message is sent back detailing the long version of the message so the sender can see it’s correct.

Why?

The best way of generating structured reports when technology fails Anybody can operate Unlimited number of wheels able to be developed for specific purposes

Cost: USD$6.500

Timeline:The wheels can be developed instantly

Sustainability: The wheels are easily set up after initial learning curve.

27 | P a g e

Wheels can be used by anyone to assist in reporting situations in the field, when more advanced methods fail.

3.2.8Street level Mapping

ALERTS! Streetlevel is, as it sounds, a literal view of the buildings and surrounds at streetlevel.

Similar in style to Google’s Streetview,with the ability to move along and around the street, looking from any angle.

DMO requires an accurate record of a scene prior to a disaster to enable appropriate compensation from relief funding. This prevents inaccurate claims from being submitted by affected persons.

28 | P a g e

However, there are many uses of this service by the various Ministries and this will provide a valuable mapping resource with each Ministry having a set of data and information on each building, structure or infrastructure item.

Buildings can have Fire Dept., Insurance, Disaster Management, Health, PUMA, Stats related databases.

E.g.; a bridge can be imaged, across, around, and underneath so it can quickly be visualized in time

of disaster to assess its situation and structural integrity according to changing conditions.

The Fire department can be looking at a building they are travelling to, to see where the entrances and exits are, interior layout and hazardous areas. This would allow them to enter the building rapidly and know the layout even in the dark or in heavy smoke.

Recording offroad trails can assist in accessing difficult regions or findingescape paths Disaster zones can be flown over to record damage and changes in 360 degree imaging. Building alterations and Improvements can be recorded and compared with previous views.

Upkeep on the service would be via the key Ministries responsible for ongoing developments.

MTWI maintains and updates roads and infrastructure Building permits by PUMA identify developments needing updating Ministry of Tourism for Tourist related spots, walks, hotels, amenities. All Ministries would be responsible for maintaining their databases

A special camera system records the scene from all angles at each location every 0.5 seconds, which allows for rotation of the view while walking, driving or flying.Accessories include; backpack for filming while walking or biking, car mount , auxilliary servers to assist in image conversion, flash cards and protective transportation equipment.

Why?

Provides an actual record of locations before a disaster to allow visualization of loss. Provides visual record to allow familiarization of location before entering danger zone Improves planning and implementation of rescues while minimizing risk Additional uses for other Ministries have yet to be realized as the service is very new, but is

seen as having significant scope.

Cost:

Sr. No Item Description Qty Unit $ TotalHardware

1 Server Image Processing server 2 $3,000 $6,000

2 Camera Crisis Camera 360 by 160 1 $25,000 $25,000

3 Pack Crisis Camera backpack 1 $4,000 $4,000

29 | P a g e

4 Case Server Transport Case 1 $2,000 $2,000

5 Charger Battery and Charger 2 $250 $500

Accessories 6 GPS Dead Reckoning Module/ Walk 1 $9,000 $9,000

7 GPS Dead Reckoning Module/ Car 1 $2,000 $2,000

8 Mount Car Mount 1 $5,000 $5,000

9 Memory Class-10 SD Cards 64 Gig 10 $250 $2,500

Software 10 License Image conversion software 1 $5,000 $5,000

11 License Streetlevel mapping software 1 $15,000 $15,000

Professional Services 12 Travel/Accom/Per diem 30 $1,250 $37,500

13 Annual support 5 $7,500 $37,500

14 Training Fee 1 $9,000 $9,000

15 Project Management Fee 1 $10,000 $10,000

USD $170,000

Tala $384,525Timeline

Activity 0 1 2 3 4 5 6

Deposit


Project design and preparation

Training

Project implementation

Data conversion to mapping

Sustainability: The mapping system has been designed with a built in 5 year support plan. Within this tie it is envisaged that other Ministries will be encouraged to participate and contribute to the ongoing development of the service, insurance and replacement of equipment as needed

3.2.9997 Call overflow voice mailbox

During a disaster it is expected that a large volume of calls will come to the NEOC via the 997 short code that is being set up. The NEOC has 8 lines that can accept calls simultaneously. Any call volume greater than this will be answered by the call centres at the Telecommunications carriers.

30 | P a g e

Once call volume exceeds their capacity, or if they are unable to handle enough calls, the call goes to the Call overflow voice mailbox.

The Mailbox is interfaced directly into to ALERTS CONNECT which allows the users to immediately access them and turn them into reports. The reports are then forwarded to the appropriate responders based on priority.

This design prevents any urgent requests from sitting in a normal voicemail centre and not being recovered because of heavy live call volume.

Cost: USD$20,000

Timeline: 2 Months from funding

Sustainability: Once the platform is set up it needs no further maintenance. The software resides on existing servers.

3.2.10 997 SMS management platform

The 997 short code being set up for the NEOC is capable of handling emergency 997 SMSIf a person is unable to call they can send an SMS and this instantly gets recorded within ALERTS CONNECT SMS mailbox.

This allows the users to immediately access them in the system and turn them into reports. The reports are then forwarded to the appropriate responders based on priority.

Cost: USD$8,500

Timeline: 2 Months from funding. This setup is linked to the installation of the 997 voice mailbox

Sustainability: Once the platform is set up it needs no further maintenance. The software resides on existing servers.

31 | P a g e

COSTING SUMMARY (Includes 5 year maintenance and support fees)ALERTS! Warning system components. Cost USDMercalli Index System $9,000 Reduces time for a warning to be broadcast, enhances accuracy.

Cell Broadcast Platform $330,000The most effective method of delivering threat detail direct to the public

USSD System $87,500Real time 2 way link to people who can select from menu of help

Location specific SMS delivery System $90,000Useful for targeting small populations of mobile users to deliver local warning

IVR Voice Platform $290,000Real Time verified delivery of warning and interaction with key decision makers

Computer Warning Platform $34,000Provides instant screen warning to all connected computers

Standardisation of messaging using Common Alert Protocol (CAP) $11,000

ALERTS CONNECTUpgrade to automated report management $17,500

Mobile (Ushahidi app) for Blackberry $6,500

Additional Training budget $17,500

Additional Common Operational Database sets budget $11,000

Field Reporting Situation Wheel $6,500Low tech solution during difficult communication periods

Streetlevel Mapping Database $170,000 (via desk and mobile hardware + GPS) showing visualized location

Call/SMS Location Platform $120,000Advises the location of the 997 caller to enhance emergency response.

997 Call overflow voice mailbox $20,000Logs incoming voicemail into ALERTS CONNECT for processing

997 SMS management platform $8,500Logs incoming SMS by time into ALERTS CONNECT for processing

TOTAL $1,229,000

32 | P a g e

4 Summary

Samoa has identified its limitations in being able to respond to large scale disasters. The combination of lack of staff, resources and skill causes serious limitations in a traditional response structure. Therefore, Samoa has had to look at a totally new way of responding and leveraged emerging new technologies to achieve its goals.

Because of this, Samoa is now becoming the focus of international interest in its low cost efforts to develop an integrated warning and response system. UNOCHA has expressed interest in the system which is seen as an essential factor in the development of effective Disaster response systems for developing nations.

The key factors of time saved in streamlining warning delivery out to the populace as well as being able to analyse and filter large streams of data coming in from the field in real time are proving to be essential factors for developing nations globally, hence United Nations interest.

Combining this with access for developing nations to global crowdsourced assistance provides essential support and “extra hands” during times of emergency without the nation losing their sovereignty or control of the situation.

The icing on the proverbial cake is that these techniques being implemented are being developed at a fraction of traditional system costs, another essential for developing nations with little resource available for emergency response.

This proposal is to fund all the elements requested by the DMO as essential to turn ALERTS! into a comprehensive warning and management system. Each element has its strengths and weaknesses to provide warning to the public as is seen in the table below:

Spee

dNetwork

dependent ReachVerified Receipt

Cell Broadcast Platform High low High NoUSSD System Med Med Low HighGeo-SMS delivery System Low Med Med MedIVR Voice Platform Med High Med HighComputer Warning Platform High Low Low No

Sustainability is paramount and to ensure this the requirements of 5 years support have been built into costings for all elements.

This will allow ample assimilation of all aspects into the daily processes of government, thereby becoming part of their managementpolicies.

33 | P a g e

· Web viewis aprivately owned station that operates four separate Radio Stations from its...

Documents

Transcript of · Web viewis aprivately owned station that operates four separate Radio Stations from its...