When a disaster or emergency occurs, preparedness information is called into action, but additional information specific to the event and its context becomes of paramount importance. This combination of information allows responders and emergency managers to take immediate rescue action and to secure the disaster site from further damage.

First responders and emergency managers need immediate, accurate, detailed information about the event and the damage it caused. Information needs at the time of the event center on immediate and impending damage to physical infrastructure, as well as the location and condition of victims and risks to first responders. This is a highly dynamic information need – the information emanating from the assessment needs to be continually updated to effectively direct response efforts and to minimize the danger to the responders themselves.

The terrorist attack in New York initially appeared to be an accident, but was quickly recognized as part of a deliberate, coordinated effort. Emergency managers, public safety officers, and political leaders at every level of government needed immediate access to an array of information channels and sources that might reveal additional threats. They also needed ways to evaluate that information for decision making and action.

Emergency management plans enumerate the assets (organizations, material, protocols, etc.) that can be activated and deployed in any given situation. Detailed and current information is needed about each of these assets, down to details about the exact capabilities of individual pieces of equipment. Often these response resources come from outside the emergency management organization and are located at a considerable distance from the event itself. Consequently, activation protocols and detailed, accurate contact information are needed to bring these assets into play. Precious time and effort are saved by knowing exactly who to call in which organizations for what kind of help.

Most emergencies are managed through an incident command structure that assigns responsibility and authority to specific individuals and organizations for specific activities. This structure also enables tracking and monitoring of work already underway. Effective deployment and coordination depend on many kinds of information: from the roles and capabilities of response and support organizations to the identity of individual responders; from information about physical and environmental hazards to the management of information about donations and volunteers. Smooth operation under pressure also depends on reaching agreement on roles and authority in advance of an emergency.