Following 9/11, NYC agencies worked together to create SOPs for communication during times of emergency.
Since then, NYC has faced two disastrous weather events—Hurricanes Irene and Sandy—during which
communication through social media, text message updates, and webcasts of press conferences was essential
to communicating updates on important services and volunteer needs. Additionally, the NYC Media Office has
taken stock of areas that are underserved with internet, computer, and smartphone technology access through
their Digital Roadmap: Process and Innovation.
Memo:
You work for the NYC Digital Office and have been tasked with creating a plan for improving technology access
specifically for times of emergency response. You are expected to provide a strategy for ensuring that areas
with low access to technology are able to receive important updates. Your plan should consider the following
questions:
How can NYC Digital Office work with the Office of Emergency Management and other key groups like
ConEdison, to ensure that updates reach hard-hit areas?
Should emergency response include internet access in order to provide emergency communication to hard-hit
areas? Why or why not?
How does your strategy ensure that areas with lower levels of access to technology are included?
Which agency will finance and manage this plan?
Sample Solution