Advantages and weaknesses of the safety check feature

Overall, the safety check feature seems to be used in all areas of the planet when a potentially damaging earthquake strikes. However, it is not massively used by LastQuake users as they may contact their relatives through other means, like personal text messages or social media. There may also be room for improvements related to the notification system, the notification design and the monitoring system. These will be discussed in section 5.4 (as shown in source document). Nevertheless, the availability of this feature is important as it allows citizens to reassure their relatives in a fast and efficient way. Indeed, the message is pre-written and the contact can be pre-selected. It also reminds citizens that in case of emergency, text messages are a better option than phone calls, especially for networks operating systems.

Cultural Factors: Access and use of infrastructure/services, Communication

Hazards: Natural hazards

Disaster Phases: Response

Types of Actors Concerned: Non-active citizens, Active citizens

Recommendations:

• The use of new technologies (e.g. Bluetooth) can improve communication strategies in disaster management situations
• Use cultural factors to improve the effectiveness of disaster communication