How technology can help.

Technology can help save lives by making communication and collaboration faster, easier, and more comprehensive.

Plan ahead. There are a number of steps people and organizations can take to safeguard against the impacts of natural disasters and technology can help.

HelpBridge, a mobile app for Android, iOS, and Windows Phone can help you get help, give help, and connect with others during a disaster. Download the app and get your contacts set up in advance of a disaster.

With SkyDrive for Windows or Mac, you can keep mementos like digital photos or important documents like insurance policies in sync with SkyDrive.com. SkyDrive also offers a safe location to store your family emergency response plan which can be accessed from any PC or smartphone if your computer is not available.

If you already have a Hotmail, Messenger or Xbox account, you already have SkyDrive. If not, you can easily sign up using your existing email address by logging in at http://SkyDrive.com

In time of. When a natural disaster impacts you or your organization unexpectedly, Microsoft has prepared targeted solution offerings that can potentially help at times of disaster.

Cloud Computing

Cloud services allow response organizations to overcome local infrastructure disruptions and rapidly deliver scale during response.

Following Superstorm Sandy in 2012, Windows Azure services supported communications and provided scaled capacity for public sector organizations responding to the disaster.

Responder to Community Communication

Communication technologies strengthen partnerships between responders and citizens during response efforts.

In response to the 2011 Joplin tornado, the Missouri Medical Team used the portal to quickly disseminate information to the Joplin community about how to receive emergency medical care and access other relief services.

Crowd Sourcing

Data gathered through distributed collaboration technologies and analyzed via the cloud enable individuals and volunteer communities to support the activities of responders on the ground.

During the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, analysts provided intelligence reports that saved valuable time and network bandwidth for search & rescue teams on the ground.

Information Hubs

Mobile apps such as HelpBridge offer a quick way to connect with multiple people, get help, and give help through volunteering or monetary or goods donations. Microsoft online properties and its social media channels showcase further ways people can quickly get connected to disaster-related resources and information.

In response to Superstorm Sandy in 2012, Microsoft partnered with The Aidmatrix Foundation to launch online its pilot program – Notes from the Ground – a system that enables relief organization to share stories and highlight in-kind needs during disasters so the public can be more informed and empowered in their giving.

Situational Awareness

Mapping tools and imagery, weather feeds, and other contextualized data enhance response analysis and planning.

In response to the 2011 tsunami in Japan, rolling-blackout schedules, radiation readings, and evacuation routes were published on maps for the local community.

Business to Community Assistance

Public-facing portals and back-end management applications can broadcast disaster-related information, and display outstanding needs in impacted areas.

Following the 2011 Christchurch earthquake and flooding in Australia, Microsoft helped create a CRM system for the government to display assistance available to the public from private sector companies.

Assessment and Consulting Services

Microsoft can provide IT expertise to support applications, troubleshoot issues, and make recommendations to ensure that tools are performing at the peak levels needed during disaster response.

Following the 2010 Haiti earthquake, Microsoft provided IT expertise to key DHS agencies to support the response mission.

Connectivity

Access to connectivity in the impacted area can enable responders to do their work, and can also provide a lifeline to allow displaced citizens to reconnect with loved ones.

Large parts of Chile were devastated by an 8.8-magnitude earthquake that struck the coast of Chile in February 2010, leaving people without basic services including water, electricity, gas and telephone access. With the support of its partners, Microsoft helped provide infrastructure to reconnect the affected areas, and in collaboration with the Chilean government mobile information centers were delivered to the affected regions.