From HSToday:PERSPECTIVE: The Technological Transformation of Emergency Management: Part I: Building Trust and Efficiency Through New Tech

The emergency management sector must take a strategic, forward-looking approach to modernizing emergency management legacy systems. A 2023 Government Accountability Office (GAO) report identified 10 critical federal IT legacy systems, some up to 51 years old, that are in urgent need of modernization. According to the GAO, these outdated systems not only create operational inefficiencies but also introduce significant cybersecurity vulnerabilities.

Improving the survivor experience requires more than replacing outdated systems. It demands a coordinated, data-driven approach that enhances both accessibility for survivors and efficiency for emergency management staff. Modern platforms should integrate real-time data, automate routine tasks, and provide staff with timely insights to guide support efforts.