Disasters Can Happen Anytime

Disruptive events—natural or man-made—can strike at any time. Hurricanes, floods, wildfires, gun violence, earthquakes, blizzards, and public health emergencies like COVID-19 may all require a coordinated community response.

Why are Community Contact Centers Important to Disaster Response?

Non-profit contact centers are vital in any community’s disaster plan. Local governments often promote these helplines during emergencies as a source for non-emergency information such as shelter locations, emergency food and water drops, road closures, and safety tips.

How does iCarol Help with Disaster Response During Emergency Events?

• Free Tools: 30 days of free Contact Record or Resource Database sharing for collaboration and data coordination.
• Taxonomy Updates: Ad hoc updates if new terms (e.g. COVID-19) are added.
• Quick Support: Fast help with form edits, system settings, or new tools.
• Scalability: Monitor system usage and scale infrastructure as needed.
• Industry Awareness: Stay informed and responsive through key partnerships.

How iCarol Improves Disaster Response

Collaborate Effectively

Helplines can collaborate to share call/text/chat volume and resource maintenance. If a center must close or is short-staffed, iCarol enables seamless traffic sharing via:

• Shared chat/text networks
• Contact Form sharing for consistent data collection
• Shared resource/service provider databases and joint resource editing

We enable Contact Record and Resource Database sharing for up to 30 days at no cost during a disaster.

Collect Essential Data

Configurable Contact Forms let you collect disaster-specific data immediately. Add checkboxes or questions to flag disaster-related contacts and generate real-time reports filtered by event.

Offer Alternative Channels

Phone service may be disrupted during disasters, making texting and chat vital. With iCarol:

• Open or adjust shifts for Messaging anytime
• Create event-specific forms and portals
• Provide referrals and run reports, just like with phone calls

Provide Critical Information and Referral

During fast-changing events:

• Update or create resource records quickly
• Use the iCarol News area to inform staff
• Offer public self-service search via your website
• Highlight key resources
• Enable API access or share open-source resource data with authorized partners like hospitals or emergency services

The Resource API also supports creating directories, apps, and more — scalable for high demand and often a source of additional revenue through partnerships.

Increase Your Bandwidth

Emergencies often increase contact volume. With iCarol, you can:

• Send mass emails or texts to staff/volunteers
• Open and adjust shifts quickly
• Track disaster-related staffing for reporting and future planning
• Enable remote work by relaxing access restrictions as needed

In Conclusion

Supporting your community during a disaster is challenging, but iCarol’s tools help reduce stress and improve your response. Even if you don’t use iCarol, we hope these ideas help you better prepare to serve your community when it matters most.