How are ICTs used as tools in raising public awareness, and what makes them effective : a case study of the work of ODPEM in Kingston, Jamaica

Abstract

The last couple of decades the world has seen an incredible development within the field of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). Not only has the number and quality of ICTs increased, but also its reach, penetration and the amount of new and different ICTs. It is also increasingly a part of everyday lives in most countries of the world. Simultaneously to this development there has been an increase in disasters and the loss of livelihoods and lives due to them. The disasters are affecting poor and developing countries disproportionally due to their vulnerability. Hence incorporating disaster management into the development agenda is vital for both to achieve sustainable livelihoods and development. Within disaster management addressing issues of risk and vulnerability is the main priority. In such work it is data collection, communication, cooperation, coordination and raising public awareness is vital. Hence effective information management is key. For there to be effective information management issues such as reaching a defined addressee, being comprehensible, multi--‐source, relevant, on time, reliable and standardised have to be addressed. ICT is beneficial in many ways; it is beneficial due to its availability, reach, penetration, multiplicity, accessibility, speed, robustness and portability. ODPEM is the main disaster management agency in Jamaica when they incorporate ICT as a tool into their disaster management work and work regarding raising public awareness, it will enhance these activities. The general public are increasingly influenced by ICTs during their days, accessing such technology to disperse important information about disaster preparedness can raise public awareness as well as enhance disaster management