How Local Governments Can Promote Disaster Risk Management Through Adopting ICT based Solutions

Heatwaves are a natural hazard and one of the deadliest extreme weather events. In the future heatwaves are expected to become more frequent, more intense and longer lasting due to climate change, and cities have to adopt major actions so as to mitigate this disaster risk and maintain an acceptable quality of life for citizens. The health impacts of hot weather are largely preventable if populations, local governments and health and social care systems are prepared. This requires disaster risk reduction management (DRMM) that emphasizes on prevention and preparedness and uses information and communication technologies (ICT) to enhance its effectiveness and reduce its cost. EXTREMA (EXTReme tEMperature Alerts for Europe) service is a successful example of utilizing ICT tools in DRRM so as to: (i) increase the awareness of the citizens and reduce their exposure; and (ii) support the local authorities with the implementation of their heat-health action plan.