Vulnerable Population Registry

About the Program

Category: Information Technology (Best in Category)

Year: 2011

In July 2010, Broward County launched a new and improved Vulnerable Population Registry application to provide a means of recording information on Broward County residents classified as “Vulnerable Population.” Vulnerable Population is defined as residents in the community who can only function independently when normal support mechanisms such as power, transportation, and communications are intact. The system was designed to capture information regarding these residents for proper planning, follow-up, and possible assistance in the event of a disaster. County residents who are at risk due to disability, frailty, or any health issue, may use the online application to self-register for assistance, especially if they decide to remain at home in the event of a hurricane or other disaster. The application also provides the Broward County call Center with an interface that allows the center to accept calls and perform registration on behalf of any resident, if the resident is unable to self-register using the online system. Using Geographic Information System (GIS) functionality, the system verifies the accuracy of each resident’s address entered and provides the user with corrected address data where applicable, giving them the opportunity to confirm and submit the most precise location information. This, in turn, saves valuable time as it allows the emergency personnel to respond to a valid address. The system offers a host of other fantastic functionalities as well, and was developed in-house by Broward County’s Enterprise Technology Services, in collaboration with the County’s Human Services Department.