A quick thanks to readers for their ideas on topics of interest. I will be on the lookout for relevant articles!

Converted Ballistic Missiles Could Launch Aid to Disaster Zones This is one of the best ideas for recycling I have ever seen. Before you consider the associated hazards, keep in mind that if we have the technology to send a thousand pound missile through a front door, we can find a non-destructive way to land a thousand pounds of communication gear, water, shelter or critical medical supplies into isolated areas post disaster.

Don’t like the idea of the missiles delivering relief supplies? How about a payload of $5 bills instead? The next generation will face the combined challenge of a growing number of marginalized populations both here in the United States and globally; as well as increasing numbers of severe weather events which coincide with where the marginalized reside.

Report: Natural Disasters Worsen Poverty It’s bad enough that natural disasters impact citizens, but they also create a cycle of pushing marginalized populations farther into poverty.

Maps of Economic Disaster If you think that this issue is only for developing nations, think again. We are seeing a shift in the haves and have-nots in the United States, too. Notice that the locations where greater numbers of impoverished will be living are also in areas subject to the impact of global climate change and worsening weather events.

Mass urbanization increasing harm of natural disasters. This article is frightening when you think about the difficulty of managing disasters in an urban environment. We are setting ourselves up for catastrophe by not investing in preparedness and mitigation.

Global disaster preparedness woefully underfunded. In case you think I’m the only one who subscribes to the “pay me now or pay me later” thought process on disaster planning, read this article.

Tapping cell phone technology for swifter rescue missions. One of my earlier posts talked about using smart devices for medical surveillance. This article takes the idea in a different direction and posits that if you can find a smart device, you may be able to find a survivor of an avalanche or earthquake.

Wellington churches financially exposed. I wonder if this in an unintended consequence or was expected. I can see this happening in many places as better awareness of earthquake mitigation strategies are either adopted or force some to abandon insurance to play the odds.

Would You Prepare Your Home For A Disaster If It Were Tax Deductible? Interesting idea. I think it would save everyone money if we mitigated the damage, so why not consider this?

Data from car navigation systems offers lifeline in times of disaster. Using data from vehicle movement to identify “open” roadways seems feasible. I question if it really takes into account all the variables and/or traffic management plans developed by local or regional emergency management.

Closing the Digital Divide Saves Lives. I would qualify this by saying that mobile broadband, as the fastest-growing information and communication technology, has the potential to save lives.

LA Times Analysis Shakes the Public with a List of Unstable, Earthquake-prone Buildings. I personally think this is an example of responsible reporting and public safety need-to-know. However, I expect I would have a different opinion if I were a building owner.

2013 National microMedic Contest. I thought this offered a glimpse into the future. Entrants were challenged to use microcontroller and sensor systems to create medical applications and products for possible use in the healthcare industry, medical simulation training, as well as the battlefield.

Self-promotion is one thing, but espousing an opinion as fact that could actually injure or kill, is another. Is the ‘Triangle of Life’ a hoax?

Have a suggestion for the round-up? Contact me at abetteremergency@gmail.com.