Evaluating the role of information technology in crisis and emergency management

Purpose – The paper seeks to discuss the recommendations for handling future extreme events based on the response and mitigation effort to Hurricane Katrina. It discusses how information technology (IT) relates to these recommendations.Design/methodology/approach – The paper reviews recent recommendations for handling future extreme events and pinpoints the role of information systems in supporting these recommendations.Findings – The study provides areas for IT researchers and practitioners to focus on to support the crisis and emergency management community.Orginality/value – The paper provides ue for IT researchers and practitioners to focus on to support the Crisis and Emergency Management Community.