Pasco Phronesis | Muddling Through Science and Technology Policy

"Disasters.data.gov was launched in mid-December (H/T Executivegov.com).  The site is intended to serve as a repository of open data sets related to disasters (which can include severe winter weather along with the usual suspects).  There are several tools designed for emergency preparedness linked to at the site, and There are two ways in which people can help build out the site: Innovator Challenge – The site is looking for short descriptions of answers to this question: ‘How might we leverage real-time sensors, open data, social media, and other tools to help reduce the number of fatalities from flooding?’ Call To Action – The site wants to host open data sets for information that has, traditionally, not been made available to the public.  Most of the data sets currently on the site are federal in origin, so there is a bigger need for information at a more local scale.  This could include evacuation routes, information on what businesses remain open during disasters, or other disaster-related data. If you are involved in disaster preparedness and response (and aren’t already familiar with the site), there are other ways you can get involved."