Let Space Help Save People From Extreme Weather

Target: Deanne Criswell, Administrator of FEMA

Goal: Leverage space satellite data to create better plans of action prior to and during natural disasters.

Tsunamis, hurricanes, dangerous air pollution that contributes to heat waves and other adverse weather: these are just some of the natural phenomena being monitored by America’s top space agency, NASA. The National Air and Space Administration utilizes several high-tech resources like global satellites that orbit the Earth to track areas of concern and yield crucial data. Initiatives such as GUARDIAN (or the GNSS Upper Atmospheric Real-time Disaster Information and Alert Network) make these tools possible.

NASA also recently unveiled another important tool known as the Disaster Response Coordination System (DRCS). The system will offer a one-stop shop for anyone who wants to access information such as the types listed above. The new hub can be invaluable to individuals at the community level all the way up to the international level.

The nation’s top disaster response leaders need to take full advantage of this information. Sign the petition below to encourage a more robust partnership between the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and NASA.

PETITION LETTER:

Dear Administrator Criswell,

Natural disaster detection, flood and wildfire mapping, and widespread power outage data are just some of the ways NASA’s Disaster Response Coordination System can and has helped communities prepare for and mitigate damage from crises. As the system’s manager stated: “this insight can be used to drive resource allocation decisions, take protective actions, and support the staging of disaster relief services, all using Earth Observation sciences.” But this important resource needs support and investment at the national level.

Please help get the word out about NASA’s helpful tools and embrace a stronger coordinating partnership with an agency that can literally give a bird’s-eye view of the planet’s health.

Sincerely,

[Your Name Here]

Photo Credit: NASA Earth Observatory