Cybersecurity
140 inaccurate characters: Social media and disasters
Social media tools can spread disaster information fast, but the possibiity of inaccurate information calls their usefulness into question.
Cybersecurity
Social media: A mixed blessing for disaster response
A report from the Congressional Research Service highlights some of the benefits and potential risks in using tools such as Facebook and Twitter to help with disaster response.
Cybersecurity
Technology aided disaster response
Earthquakes and hurricanes didn't daunt the federal response, but trouble is on the horizon for funding.
Cybersecurity
9/11 at FEMA: Information on demand
Marc Wolfson recalls how quickly the public affairs staff at FEMA kicked into high gear and started posting information on the agency's website.
Cybersecurity
DOD, FEMA team on Irene recovery
Agencies worked together to manage and coordinate rescue and recovery efforts connected to Hurricane Irene.
Cybersecurity
Irene helps FEMA prove itself again
Public officials all along the East Coast are praising FEMA's preparedness and response to Hurricane Irene -- in sharp contrast to public opinion after Katrina.
Cybersecurity
Beware fake FEMA disaster app
The Federal Emergency Management Agency announced a new mobile application for disaster preparedness on Android, but an apparently fake FEMA app appears to have fooled many.
Cybersecurity
Agencies use Facebook, Twitter to spread hurricane info
Agencies rush to prepare for major hurricane, using all the technology at their disposal to do so.
Cybersecurity
Agencies need to tighten telework coordination, GAO says
Potential agency IT limitations weren't taken into account before the "unscheduled telework" option for federal employees went into effect earlier this year, a new report said.
Cybersecurity
Lieberman tells FEMA to centralize IT
FEMA can't manage its IT systems with an uncoordinated approach to building systems, senator says.
Cybersecurity
Auditors estimate $2.8B in improper payments at SSA, FEMA
Inspectors general at FEMA and the Social Security Administration uncovered billions in improper payments, reports state.
Cybersecurity
Before disaster strikes, FEMA looks to predict severity of calamity
FEMA has turned to the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency for help in predicting the effects of potential Mississippi River flooding and providing imagery of areas devastated by flood waters and tornadoes.
Cybersecurity
FCC, FEMA to start mobile phone emergency alert system
The Federal Communications Commission and the Federal Emergency Management Agency said they are partnering with several companies to offer priority message emergency warnings through mobile phones.
Cybersecurity
Disaster response agencies need to go mobile, FEMA administrator says
The administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency said disaster response agencies should take advantage of the widespread use of mobile phones to improve their disaster communications with the public.
Digital Government
Weathering the storm
People with a low opinion of the federal government like to pass around jokes that have the punch line: "I'm from the federal government and I'm here to help." President Ronald Reagan famously called them "the 10 most frightening words in the English language."
Cybersecurity
Report: FEMA IT systems not effective for disaster response
The Federal Emergency Management Agency's legacy IT systems have gaps, a new report states.
Modernization
Japan disaster provides opportunity for scammers
Technology has changed the way the world responds to natural disasters such as the Japan earthquake but it can also lead to big opportunities for scam artists.
Cybersecurity