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This study presents an overview of the existing and emerging issues related to the application of information technology--computers, telecommunications, microform systems, audio and video devices--to all phases of emergency management: prevention, mitigation, response, and recovery. Both natural and man-caused disasters are treated in this analysis. Subsequent to the presentation of an executive summary, an introductory chapter provides the following: a context for the ensuing treatment of the objective of the report; a variety of perspectives on the identification, perceptions, and significance of this problem area; and a number of identifiable alternatives for congressional initiatives in the future. The following two chapters illustrate the various ways information technologies are being used in coping with several kinds of natural and technological disasters, along with background and key statistical information on these focal areas; then a discussion of the Federal role in striving to ensure greater resiliency in the information support infrastructure is presented. Next, a chronology of selected governmental actions and related events reflects the pattern of activity, especially during the past 25 years. The final six chapters include the highlights and commentary of major subcommittee endeavors, including two hearings, a national workshop, and a technical forum. A series of appendices provide selected background material. (THC)

1Boy Crusoe

By Allan Eric

Also published as" A Yankee Crusoe" . A 15 year old hard working and studious farm boy finds the lure of adventure on the seas as a merchant seaman more than he can resist. This is his story. " I was born in a little town in the State of Maine, near the close of the Civil War. My boyhood life did not differ materially from that of the average farmer's son in the remote country districts of New England--except, perhaps, that I read more and thought more. Hard work on the rugged soil, two terms each year in the little yellow country schoolhouse, a day's fishing now and then filled the early years of my life full to over-flowing. " What he gets is enough excitement and adventure to overflow his wildest dreams. How he experiences disaster and uses his wits and knowledge to overcome every problem makes for a great read. - Summary by Phil Chenevert