From communities in Appalachia and Florida to the Hawaiian Islands, no part of the US is untouched by the increased climate-related disasters we’ve seen in the past few years. As we reflect on the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton and other recent climate-related disasters, the question of how we collectively ensure the digital inclusion ecosystems we’re building are both robust AND resilient is an increasingly urgent topic of conversation. 

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is updating and publishing a disaster response framework, and NDIA submitted comments to advocate for stronger integration of digital inclusion activities into post-disaster efforts. 

Why Digital Inclusion Matters in Disaster Responses

As the digital inclusion community knows all too well, in today’s world, access to affordable and reliable internet is not just a luxury; it’s a necessity. And in the immediate aftermath of a disaster, individuals need to access critical, life-saving information and services more than ever. However, the integration of digital inclusion into disaster response extends far beyond the initial response. Digital inclusion is vital for effective recovery and rebuilding efforts, fostering community resilience and ensuring that all members of society—especially the most vulnerable—have equitable opportunities to recover.

Existing digital inclusion organizations and programs are already doing fantastic work, and can be essential partners in all phases of disaster recovery. Their expertise can help bridge the gaps in communication and access that often widen during crises. The following are initial recommendations for FEMA to consider integrating into it’s National Disaster Response Framework to address key areas of digital inclusion during disaster recovery. 

 

1. Emergency Internet Access:

• Mobile Hotspots: Deploy portable Wi-Fi hotspots with unlimited data to affected areas where internet infrastructure has been damaged. Ensure these hotspots have a wide coverage range, access to the local or first responder network, and sufficient bandwidth to serve a high volume of users, prioritizing shelters, hospitals, and community centers. These efforts should be prioritized as soon as possible during the disaster response period and continued beyond the initial response to ensure consistent communication for impacted individuals. 
• Free Public Wi-Fi: Set up free Wi-Fi access points at key locations such as shelters, community centers, government buildings, and recovery sites. Partner with local internet service providers to expand coverage in these high-traffic areas. These efforts should be prioritized as soon as possible during the disaster response period and continued beyond the initial response to ensure consistent communication for impacted individuals. 
• Satellite Internet: In rural, remote, or hard-to-reach areas where traditional infrastructure may take longer to restore, satellite internet ensures continuous connectivity. However, the equipment can be costly and difficult to obtain in the midst of a disaster. Consider pre-arranging contracts with satellite providers for rapid deployment in emergencies and negotiating service arrangements where the consumer bears no cost burden during and for a period of time after the emergency.

2. Device Distribution:

• Replacement of Damaged Devices: Collaborate with technology companies, nonprofit device refurbishers, and government agencies to provide replacement smartphones, tablets, and laptops for individuals and families whose devices were lost or damaged during the disaster. Distribute the devices via existing trusted, community-based organizations with existing digital inclusion programs in the affected area. If no such organization exists, partner with other trusted community-based organizations to distribute. Ensure priority is given to vulnerable populations, such as low-income households, older adults, people of color, and K-12 students.
• Loaner Devices: Establish a network of loaner devices, such as laptops, tablets, and phones, for temporary use during the recovery period. Distribute these through trusted community-based organizations or disaster response agencies, and ensure loaner programs cover key needs such as remote work, education, and telehealth.
• Charging Stations: Set up solar-powered or generator-supported charging stations in accessible locations to help people recharge personal devices during power outages. Ensure these are available in high-traffic areas, shelters, and distribution centers.

3. Digital Skills and Support:

• Tech Support Hotlines: Fund or partner with existing digital inclusion support hotlines that offer remote assistance to people struggling to use digital tools or access online services. If no such hotlines exist locally, establish new ones in collaboration with trusted community-based organizations. Include multilingual support options for diverse communities.
• Digital Skills Training: In the recovery phase, launch digital skills initiatives to help affected residents learn to navigate disaster relief applications, telemedicine platforms,  remote learning tools, and any digital resources needed to rebuild. 
• Digital Navigators: Digital navigators are trusted guides who assist community members with ongoing, individualized support for accessing affordable and appropriate connectivity, devices, and digital skills. In the rapid response phase,  train volunteers, relief workers, and community leaders as “digital navigators” to provide hands-on assistance with setting up devices, connecting to Wi-Fi, and using key applications like disaster aid portals or telehealth services. In the recovery and rebuilding phase, engage existing digital navigators of the affected or surrounding communities to provide long-term digital navigation support to the community. Equip digital navigators with the necessary resources and multilingual support to aid diverse communities.
• Multilingual Assistance: To accommodate non-English-speaking communities, ensure all digital skills programs, digital navigation, hotlines, and online resources are available in multiple languages. Work with local translators or cultural organizations to ensure clarity and accessibility.

4. Online Access to Resources and Services:

• Disaster Relief Portals: Ensure easy access to disaster aid platforms (e.g., FEMA, Red Cross) through a centralized, mobile-friendly website or app. This platform should be multilingual and accessible to people with disabilities.
• Telemedicine and Mental Health Support: Set up partnerships with telemedicine providers to offer remote healthcare services, including mental health support, in areas where medical facilities are overwhelmed or inaccessible due to the disaster. Provide free access to telehealth platforms for residents in affected areas.
• K-12 Education Continuity: Ensure online learning resources are available to displaced students and schools. Distribute devices preloaded with learning materials and provide temporary internet access for students to engage with teachers and classmates in virtual classrooms. Collaborate with school districts to minimize learning disruption and mitigate learning loss.

5. Equitable Funding and Policies:

• Emergency Subsidies: Provide temporary financial assistance to help low-income households cover the cost of internet service post-disaster. This can take the form of vouchers, subsidies, or grants that offset the cost of reconnecting or maintaining internet access during the recovery period.
• Data Privacy and Protection: Establish robust data privacy protections for individuals accessing digital services during and after disasters. Ensure that personal information used for aid applications, telehealth services, and other critical functions is secure and not exploited. Promote best practices for data collection, minimizing the risk of breaches while maintaining necessary communication with service providers.

Next Steps: Community Collaboration

We are in the initial stages of shaping these recommendations and are eager to develop them further with our community’s input. Our next steps include working groups, further research, and refining our goals based on feedback from NDIA affiliates directly impacted by disasters.

By prioritizing digital inclusion in disaster recovery efforts, we can help build a more equitable and resilient society. Together, we can ensure that everyone has the tools they need to communicate, recover, and thrive in the face of climate challenges. We invite you to join us in this crucial conversation as we work towards a more connected and resilient future.