A device and
system for use in emergency management operations before and after a disaster. The device incorporates a GPS and a radio with very simplified, pre-programmed instructions which are uploaded automatically in the device's memory via
wireless technology prior to the unit's first use at a disaster site. Maps of areas to be searched are uploaded into the device and the areas covered during the search are retained in the devices' memory. A unique feature enables the searcher to quickly indicate a specific need or service at a particular location during the search, which information automatically is geocoded and time / date stamped once the user saves the information inputted. Via
wireless technology areas that have been searched during an operational period are downloaded to a base unit and areas to be searched the following operational period are uploaded to the portable units at the beginning of the day. Radios on the units can enable the searchers to audibly communicate with each other without
cell towers. The
system can be employed by cleanup teams, insurance adjusters, and any number of post
incident response teams both focused on short and long term
recovery operations. The entire
system is designed to be self contained to operate when
normal cell and Internet systems are damaged or destroyed. The system can quickly organize, sort, and edit the data collected by field users for daily and future analysis and
documentation or any and all disaster operations.