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Like most communities, Seattle has a disaster response plan that is updated and revised regularly. Several years ago, the city integrated its Web site with its emergency communications plan. As a result, the city provides residents and city employees with easy access to response and recovery information.
Recently, Seattle experienced several events that required city officials to use their disaster response plan. The city was the site of the World Trade Organization demonstrations in November 1999 and several smaller protests in 2000. In February, an earthquake damaged businesses, homes and government buildings. In each event, the city used its Web site as part of the disaster response, and it has learned many lessons that have helped refine its emergency online practices.
Staff members who update the Web site should be located in a central location with other emergency respondents. Whenever Seattle's Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is activated, city...