Prevention protects lives
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Interesting links and tips

I am always happy to search for innovative, life-saving, and inspiring platforms, tools, and information for you. Today, I would like to open a window onto our changing world with a tool that is not only scientifically valuable but can also be used in disaster management:

OpenAltimetry – How NASA satellite data can help save lives

OpenAltimetry: Understanding the Earth anew

OpenAltimetry is a freely accessible NASA platform that provides high-resolution satellite data (ICESat & ICESat-2) on global elevation changes – such as glacier melt, sea ice dynamics, and landscape change. Our glaciers are melting. Sea ice is shrinking. Landscapes are changing. OpenAltimetry is an open data tool that makes these changes visible using high-precision elevation data from NASA's ICESat and ICESat-2 missions.

Whether for environmental research, risk planning, or personal curiosity, OpenAltimetry visualizes global elevation changes, identifies patterns, and provides insights into the evolution of our planet — a key to climate adaptation, emergency planning, and resilience.

Explore the platform: https://openaltimetry.org.

OpenAltimetry in disaster management: areas of application and opportunities

OpenAltimetry can be a valuable source of data for your disaster and emergency management, as elevation profiles have a decisive influence on life-threatening situations, infrastructure, and protection strategies.

Improving early warning systems

  • Analysis of elevation data can indicate glacier melt, landslide risks, or flood potential
  • Sea ice data helps to detect changes in the polar regions and better understand the consequences for weather patterns

Optimize flood and high water management

  • Coastal heights and river levels can be analyzed
  • Authorities can plan protective measures early on
  • Up-to-date flood maps help with evacuation strategies

Detecting Landscape Change & Geophysical Hazards

  • Monitoring glacier movements, slope instability, and ground deformation
  • The data supports the development of resilient infrastructure in high-risk regions

Strengthening Climate Adaptation & Sustainability

  • Coastal retreat and desertification trends can be modeled
  • NGOs and governments can use the insights to design targeted adaptation strategies for land use, water resources, and civil protection

Optimizing Evacuation Planning and Emergency Routes

  • Validate and secure topographic escape routes

Map-based elevation data enables the protection of: Hospitals, Emergency response vehicles, Water supply facilities, Evacuation camps & emergency shelters

Key Benefits & Practical Application Ideas

Integration into Planning Processes & Early Warning Systems

  • Seamless integration into ArcGIS, QGIS, and disaster management platforms
  • Combination with weather stations, river gauges, or drone-mounted altimeters for validation
  • Automated flood alerts via SMS / app through regional real-time monitoring systems

Targeted risk prevention & protection planning

Adaptation of building regulations & site analyses for: Chemical plants, oil refineries, waterworks / hazardous substance storage facilities, sewage treatment plants, coastal protection facilities / protection of drinking water infrastructure & sensitive energy supplies

Agriculture & drought prevention

  • Assessment of vulnerable farmland
  • Development of smart drainage systems & irrigation concepts
  • Optimization of seed strategies on vulnerable soils

Urban Planning & Infrastructure Analysis

  • Placing emergency shelters and assembly points at safe elevations
  • Adjusting access routes, flood walls, levees, and drainage systems based on terrain data
  • Identifying flood-resilient residential areas and neighborhoods at elevated risk

OpenAltimetry is not just a platform for scientists – it's a tool for anyone who wants to help protect lives, strengthen urban resilience, and recognize climate-related risks before disaster strikes.


Your Resilience Toolkit – Be Prepared, Be Capable, Be Protected 

Knowledge protects – when put into action.

  • Data-driven
  • Interoperable
  • Environmentally conscious
  • Life-saving


Disaster control in your pocket: the most important apps

In addition to accurate terrain data, mobile warning systems and tools on your smartphone are essential. You always have your cell phone with you — use it actively for protection and response! Knowledge alone is not enough — your preparation, your ability to act, and your active involvement are crucial.

Selection of globally proven emergency apps – knowledge + data = safety

These apps offer features such as early warnings, live situation maps, SOS communication, evacuation assistance, medical data transmission, and much more:

  1. MyRadar Weather Radar, High-resolution weather radar images, real-time weather alerts, hurricane tracking, earthquake and forest fire data. iOS, Android, Windows
  2. OnGuard Weather alerts, Monitors NOAA weather alerts (US), sends audible, visual, and vibration alerts in case of severe weather. Android
  3. First Aid: American Red Cross, Step-by-step instructions for first aid, emergency call function, videos, quiz, offline access. iOS, Android
  4. Disaster Alert (PDC Global), Real-time alerts for 18 natural hazards worldwide (earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanoes, storms, etc.). iOS, Android
  5. SirenGPS, Emergency call at the touch of a button with location transmission, medical information for first responders, local alerts.  iOS, Android
  6. Zello Walkie Talkie, Real-time push-to-talk communication, proven in disaster response situations. iOS, Android, Windows
  7. Earthquake Alert, Earthquake alerts worldwide, data from USGS, custom filters, map view. iOS, Android
  8. HazAdapt, Interactive emergency instructions, 911 assistance with location, offline access, accessible & inclusive.  iOS, Android
  9. FEMA App, Official US disaster preparedness app with alerts, emergency tips, shelter finder, and recovery assistance. iOS, Android
  10. KATWARN and NINA, Official German warning apps for severe weather, large fires, bomb discoveries, and disasters. iOS, Android
  11. Alertswiss, Official Swiss warning app for disasters, natural hazards, and emergencies. Reports from the federal government and cantons with recommendations on how to behave. iOS, Android
  12. IT alerts and alarms Meteo IT, IT Alert: Italy's official national warning system – not an app, but a cell broadcast. ➤ Official information: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mdc.allarmemeteo&hl=it.
  13. StormEye, Detailed storm tracking with radar, ETA, intensity, hail probability – via Google Maps. Android
  14. LifeLine Response (today: Kinetic Global), Personal safety app with GPS tracking, emergency call, 24/7 monitoring – for individuals and businesses. iOS, Android, App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/kinetic-global/id531619809.
  15. Humanitarian Kiosk (UN OCHA), Offline-enabled app with maps, reports, and contacts for humanitarian missions worldwide. iOS, Android
  16. Tsunami Alert NOAA, real-time tsunami warnings worldwide, interactive maps, wave models, push notifications. iOS, Android
  17. National Early Warning Release System (China), China's official early warning system for natural disasters – integrated into national apps, no global app store access.
  18. China Weather App, Weather and air quality data for over 100 cities in China, 5-day forecast, interactive maps. Android
  19. SGSecure App, Singapore's national safety app – emergency calls, terror alerts, first aid, AED locations, SOS function. iOS, Android, App Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ministryofhomeaffairs.sgsecure.mhasg&hl=en-US.
  20. myENV App (Singapore), environmental, weather, and health alerts, air quality, dengue hotspots, flooding, lightning radar. iOS, Android
  21. Noonlight, Emergency assistance at the touch of a button – in case of danger, simply release the button and the app will alert the police with your location. Special features: Safety Timeline, crash detection, Apple Watch & Wear OS, integration with Uber/Lyft. iOS, Android, smartwatches, app stores: iOS and Android
  22. OKSION, State-run system for warning the population in the event of disasters, terrorist attacks, fires, etc. Special features: LED warning displays, mobile units, video surveillance – no app store access, but physical infrastructure.
  23. EMERCOM of Russia app, digital services of the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations (MChS) – warnings, emergency assistance, situation reports. Note: No dedicated app can be found in the international app store, but it is part of the ministry's digital transformation.
  24. VÉSZ App (Ungarn) Official Hungarian warning app for natural disasters, accidents, power outages, extreme weather conditions. iOS, Android
  25. Hungary Disaster Alert System & MeteoAlarm Hungary, Weather and disaster warnings for Hungary, integrated with VÉSZ and Meteoalarm.eu Web & App https://www.met.hu/idojaras/veszelyjelzes/.
  26. Ukrainian Weather Alerts & 112 Ukraine https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ukrainealarm. und https://visitukraine.today/blog/143/air-alert-app-that-notifies-about-danger-in-certain-region-in-your-smartphone.
  27. ICE Medical Standard, Emergency medical profile on the lock screen – visible to first responders (allergies, medications, contacts). iOS, Android, App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ice-medical-standard/id412786820.
  28. Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System (GDACS) – Real-time alerts for earthquakes, tsunamis, and other global disasters.
  29. Disaster Preparedness Guide – Offline survival guide with checklists, first aid instructions, and advice on what to do in natural disasters.
  30. GardaWorld Crisis24 – Global safety alerts for travelers and businesses – political unrest, natural hazards, evacuations. iOS, Android (subscription required) App Store: https://apps.apple.com/de/app/gardaworld-travel-security/id1288634578.
  31. Help Me – SOS International – Emergency communication with location tracking, medical information, travel assistance – exclusively for members of International SOS. Special features: 24/7 access to medical and security experts worldwide, check-in function in crises. iOS, Android. App Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.infostretch.iSOSAndroid&hl=en. or https://apps.apple.com/de/app/international-sos-assistance/id465662561.
  32. First Responder Support Tools (FiRST) – Operational support for police, fire, and emergency services—with maps showing IED stand-off distances, HAZMAT zones, and evacuation routes. Developed by: U.S. Department of Homeland Security & Applied Research Associates. iOS, Android. App Store: iOS-Version
  33. DisasterReady: E-learning platform with over 1,000 free courses on disaster preparedness, humanitarian aid, safety, and resilience. Target group: NGOs, first responders, volunteers, authorities. Web & app
  34. TravelSmart – Allianz Assistance / Function: Travel insurance, emergency contacts, hospital finder, SOS function – for Allianz Travel customers. iOS, Android
  35. Psychological First Aid (PFA Mobile) / Function: Guide to psychosocial first aid in disasters – developed by the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN). Checklists, conversation strategies, self-care, support for children and adults. iOS, Android


NeoRescue Lifebox – Infant rescue in case of fire

The Lifebox from Swiss company NeoRescue is an innovative rescue system for infants in fire and emergency situations. It provides a positive pressure system with a supply of breathable air for up to 35 minutes, protects against smoke, heat, and toxic gases, and is specially designed for use in children's hospitals, daycare centers, and neonatal units. Because we all know that the youngest and smallest among us have no protection in the event of a fire and that just two or three breaths could be fatal for them, or that they are exposed to sudden temperature fluctuations. Especially with infants, EVERY SECOND COUNTS! #Infants#Emergency situation#Clinics

Nicht-apokalyptische Vorsorgeerziehung – Jeff Donaldson & Tristan Claridge

An evidence-based educational program for disaster preparedness without scaremongering – developed by Dr. Jeff Donaldson (Preparedness Labs) and Tristan Claridge (Institute for Social Capital). The focus is on social resilience, risk assessment, and community strategies. → Non-Apocalyptic Evidence-Based Preparedness Education

PwC Global AI Study – Die KI-Revolution nutzen

The global PwC study shows how artificial intelligence could contribute up to USD 15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030. It analyzes over 300 use cases and offers companies concrete strategies for creating value through AI. → PwC’s Global Artificial Intelligence Study: Download the report here

iRonCub3 – The jet-powered humanoid rescue robot

iRonCub3 is a humanoid robot with a jetpack developed by the Italian Institute of Technology. It was successfully tested for the first time in 2025 and can fly, hover, and move autonomously in dangerous environments such as fires, earthquakes, or chemical accidents.

  • Jet nozzles on the back and arms enable quick access to hard-to-reach areas
  • AI-controlled flight stabilization and real-time sensor technology for precise position assessment
  • Use in search and rescue missions, e.g., in collapsed buildings or industrial accidents
  • Designed for extreme conditions: heat, smoke, unstable structures

Technical highlights: weighs just 70 kg, with titanium spine and heat protection, real-time aerodynamic control via AI, sensors: inertial unit, force/torque sensors, depth camera

Click here to visit the project page (New Atlas, Juni 2025)

Drones & Edge AI for real-time fire detection

OroraTech will use 2025 Edge AI on CubeSats to detect forest fires worldwide in less than 60 seconds. The data will be transmitted directly to emergency services – a milestone for early warning and resource management.

NVIDIA GTC 2025 Edge AI für Feuererkennung

India's new platforms for disaster management

In June 2025, the Indian Ministry of Home Affairs introduced three new systems

  • ICR-ER: Integrated emergency control center with satellite data
  • NDEM Lite 2.0: Mobile-enabled emergency database for emergency services
  • Flood Hazard Atlas Assam: Real-time flood data for prevention and planning

To the official announcement (The Hindu, Juni 2025)

ResQCell – Biometric emergency bracelet with vital data transmission

ResQCell is a newly developed emergency bracelet that transmits vital data such as pulse, oxygen saturation, body temperature, and movement to emergency responders in real time — even in the event of a network failure via satellite link.

  • Designed for disaster areas, evacuations, and mass accidents
  • Automatically detects unconsciousness or falls
  • Sends location data and medical presets (e.g., allergies, blood type)

Areas of application: Clinics, care facilities, outdoor events, crisis regions

More about ResQCell Technologie (Tech4Resilience 2025)

Project FireNet – Satellite-based early warning system for vegetation fires

FireNet is a satellite program launched in 2025 that uses thermal sensors, AI-powered image recognition, and wind data to detect wildfires in real time — often within 90 seconds of outbreak.

Special features:

  • Developed by the European Space Agency (ESA) in cooperation with OroraTech
  • Detects smoldering fires under tree canopies
  • Can be integrated into national warning systems and fire department control centers

Why is this important? With droughts and wildfires becoming more common in Europe, FireNet is a game changer for early warning and coordinating responses.

ESA FireNet-Initiative (ESA Earth Observation) 





This article was written by Birgit Bortoluzzi, creative founder of the “University of Hope” – an independent knowledge platform with the goal of making resilience, education, and compassion visible and audible in a complex world.