‘Disaster Awareness Now’: Bridging Professional Insight and Community Preparedness
How My Background in Human Security, Geospatial Intelligence, and Urban Planning Inspired a Platform for Resilience
Disasters are becoming more frequent, intense, and complex. Whether it’s wildfires, hurricanes, or other crises, the need for timely, reliable information has never been more critical. That’s why I launched Disaster Awareness Now, a blog and brand that is part of GeoCyber Systems LLC. While this initiative has been in the works for some time, its official launch coincides with the devastating wildfire disaster currently unfolding in Los Angeles, California.
As a graduate student at USC and someone who has lived in Los Angeles for two decades, this crisis hits close to home. Although my MS degree in Human Security and Geospatial Intelligence, which follows my MA in Urban Planning is through online studies, I still have strong ties to the Los Angeles community, many of whom are feeling the effects of this disaster at various levels. My heart is with this community.
However, disasters happen everywhere, all the time, and this platform is meant to foster informed discussions that serve both professionals and individuals. Through Disaster Awareness Now, I hope to provide actionable insights, tools, and resources to help people prepare for, respond to, and recover from crises — whether they are directly impacted or working in the field of disaster management.
Why Two Tracks?
Disaster Awareness Now is structured to cater to two distinct audiences:
- Professionals:
This track is designed for emergency managers, geospatial analysts, and policymakers. It delves into technical tools, frameworks, and technologies that enhance disaster management efforts. Posts explore topics like FIRMS, Maxar imagery, and analytical frameworks such as PMESII-PT and INFORM. - People:
This track focuses on individuals, families, and communities by offering practical advice in accessible language. Topics range from creating a “go bag” to leveraging apps like Watch Duty for real-time updates. The goal is to empower everyone with knowledge that protects lives and property.
Balancing Free and Paid Content
To make Disaster Awareness Now accessible while supporting its growth, I’ve created a mix of free and paid content.
- Free Posts: These introduce essential topics and provide value to all readers. For example:
- “Building Resilience Together”
- “Watch Duty App: A Vital Resource During Wildfires”
- Paid Posts: These go deeper, offering detailed analyses and advanced tools for those who support the platform. For example:
- “NOAA’s California Fire Imagery Portal: Visualizing the Scale of the Los Angeles Fires”
- “Mastering INFORM: A Strategic Tool for Disaster Risk Management”
This approach allows readers to engage with content that aligns with their needs and interests, whether they follow the professional track, the community-focused track, or both.
Highlights From Recent Posts
For Professionals:
- “The Role of Geospatial Intelligence in Emergency Response”
This post explores Maxar’s high-resolution imagery and its applications for disaster management during the Los Angeles wildfires. - “PMESII-PT and INFORM”
A comparative analysis of two critical frameworks for disaster management and risk assessment.
For People:
- “Empathy and Grief for the Unprecedented Fires in Los Angeles”
An emotional look at the human impact of disasters. - “How to Help and Support Fire Victims”
A comprehensive guide to resources for those affected by fires.
What Makes ‘Disaster Awareness Now’ Different?
Disaster Awareness Now stands out by bridging the gap between professional and community needs:
- For Professionals: It provides advanced tools and frameworks to enhance decision-making and disaster response.
- For People: It offers accessible, actionable insights that empower individuals and families to navigate crises.
- For Both: It creates a space where insights from professionals and the lived experiences of communities come together.
How My Background Inspired This Platform
While pursuing my MS in Human Security and Geospatial Intelligence and MA in Urban Planning, I frequently encountered tools and frameworks like FIRMS and Maxar imagery. I saw how these resources could help professionals make life-saving decisions. At the same time, my work in urban planning reinforced the importance of accessibility — ensuring that communities also benefit from these tools.
Disaster Awareness Now brings these perspectives together, combining technical depth with practical relevance. It’s a reflection of my passion for geospatial intelligence, AI/ML, and the critical need for security and resilience in an increasingly uncertain world.
How You Can Get Involved
- Subscribe: Whether you’re a professional, a concerned citizen, or both, there’s content tailored for you.
- Engage: Share posts with your network to help spread awareness.
- Support: By subscribing to paid content, you enable the creation of in-depth resources and ensure the sustainability of the platform.
Together, We Build Resilience
Disasters are an inevitable part of our reality, but with the right tools and knowledge, we can face them head-on. Disaster Awareness Now is here to equip you — whether you’re on the frontlines or navigating challenges in your community.
I invite you to join me on Disaster Awareness Now on Substack.
Let’s build resilience together. Explore the latest posts and subscribe to the track that speaks to you.
