cnbc.com
LA Wildfires Drive 800% Surge in Disaster Preparedness App Usage
The recent Los Angeles wildfires caused an 800% increase in usage of the GOES Health app since January 6th, highlighting its effectiveness in providing hyperlocal air quality data and wildfire preparedness guides during crises where traditional emergency services are overwhelmed; Watch Duty, developed by first responders, also experienced a surge in usage, becoming a top free iOS app.
- What are the key differences in design, purpose, and user base between GOES and Watch Duty apps?
- The increase in natural disasters due to climate change is driving demand for apps like GOES and Watch Duty. GOES, initially focused on wilderness medicine, now serves urban populations facing emergencies like wildfires and hurricanes. Watch Duty, created by first responders, provides real-time fire location and evacuation zone data, processing 100,000 requests per second, showcasing the crucial role of technology in disaster response.
- How has the recent surge in California wildfires impacted the adoption and usage of disaster preparedness apps like GOES?
- Following devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, usage of the GOES Health app surged 800% since January 6th, highlighting its utility in urban disaster response. The app, designed for wilderness emergencies, provides hyperlocal air quality readings and wildfire preparedness guides, crucial during crises where traditional services are overwhelmed. Viktor Makarskyy, a GOES technology head, personally used the app to prepare for his return to LA, confirming its effectiveness.
- What are the potential future implications of this trend for urban preparedness and the role of technology in disaster response?
- GOES's rapid adoption signals a shift towards proactive, personalized emergency preparedness. Its hyperlocal data and offline accessibility address limitations of traditional emergency services during crises. Future development should focus on expanding data sources, enhancing user interfaces for wider accessibility, and integrating with existing emergency management systems for broader impact. The increasing frequency of climate-related disasters underscores the critical need for such tools.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article's framing heavily favors the GOES app, showcasing its features and user experiences prominently. The narrative structure prioritizes positive user testimonials and the company's success story, which might overshadow potential limitations or drawbacks of the app. The headline itself, while neutral, is framed by the story's emphasis on the app's role in the LA wildfire crisis. The introductory paragraphs directly introduce the app and its user, Viktor Makarskyy, establishing the app as the central focus before providing broader context.
Language Bias
The language used is generally neutral and objective. However, phrases like "terrified," "war zone," and "obliterated" evoke strong emotions, potentially influencing reader perception. While these terms are descriptive of the situation, replacing them with more neutral words like "fearful," "severely damaged," and "destroyed" could enhance the objectivity of the report. The repeated emphasis on the app's positive attributes could be perceived as promotional, subtly influencing the reader's opinion.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the GOES app and its response to the LA wildfires, potentially omitting other relevant apps or disaster response initiatives. While acknowledging Watch Duty, a competitor app, the article doesn't explore the broader landscape of available resources or compare the functionalities of different apps comprehensively. This omission could limit the reader's understanding of the full range of options available during emergencies. The lack of discussion on government aid and emergency services also constitutes a significant omission.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat simplified view of disaster preparedness, implicitly suggesting that the GOES app is the primary or best solution. While highlighting its usefulness, it doesn't fully explore other preparedness strategies or methods, thus creating a false dichotomy between relying solely on a single app versus other available options. The narrative subtly frames the app as essential, potentially overlooking the importance of community support, official resources, and other preventative measures.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights the increasing relevance of disaster preparedness apps like GOES and Watch Duty due to the rise in climate-related disasters such as wildfires and hurricanes. These apps provide crucial information and resources to help individuals navigate and mitigate the impacts of these events, thus contributing positively to climate action by enhancing community resilience and preparedness. The increasing frequency and intensity of these disasters are directly linked to climate change, making preparedness apps vital tools for mitigating its effects.