It is inevitable, natural disasters are becoming more frequent and at greater magnitude. Victims as well as relief organizations are often unprepared for the devastation. This is quite evident in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy in October 2012. Volunteering through the coalition, Occupy Sandy, I saw the seriousness of immediacy to distribute supplies to the heavy hit areas of New York City. I researched what relief efforts were being made, what organizations were involved, what can be improved and where interventions are most appropriate for change. Research was focused on preparing citizens pre-storm as well as looking for ways to improve the situation post-storm.
The Storm Relief Tube is a kit and distribution system designed for preparation as well as aid after natural disasters. Typical disaster supplies (water bottle, soup can, flashlight) all share the same cylindrical profile, making a tube ideal packaging in terms of form factor. Cardboard tubes are already being shipped internationally everyday, making it an appropriate solution in terms of packaging, distribution and cost efficiency. There are currently several waterproof cardboard tube manufactures online that supply the required size. The ends of the tube are sealed with thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) caps to protect the contents during shipping and abuse during distribution or use. The nylon webbing strap is shipped within the tube and may be attached for carrying multiples or wearing it like a messenger bag. The label on the outer surface of the tube may be written on in order to document the contents, destination, name of volunteer who packed it, date and other pertinent information. Relevant up-to-date notifications regarding locations of supply or emergency care hubs, phone numbers, cleanup progress reports as well as survival tips maybe printed out and included in the tubes or adhered to the outside.
The tubes may be packed with standard basic supplies to aid within the first couple of days post-disaster such as a water bottle, nonperishable canned food items, a round container (containing a dusk mask and work gloves) as well as a hand crank flashlight. As the relief effort progresses, victims' needs for supplies change. Tubes may then be packed with emergency blankets and clothing as well as other applicable items to meet those needs. The outer label may be written on to list the contents of the tube for easy identification. Through communication between on-location disaster managers and supply coordinators, tubes with appropriate supplies can be loaded up in trucks and delivered to devastated areas.
The cylindrical tube form is excellent for packing, storing, shipping and carrying. The Storm Relief Tubes are distributed to homes pre-storm throughout potential disaster areas. Tubes would be mailed, handed out at central locations or delivered by relief aid organization workers. Additional post-storm tubes will then be distributed to areas in need via trucks.
Superstorm Sandy's aftermath was far more destructive than expert predictions. The number of lives lost and families shattered is unprecedented with the death toll at over 125. Unfortunately, natural disasters like this are becoming more frequent and the 100-year storm is now happening almost once a year. Citizens as well as cities are seeking new methods to become educated and prepared in case of these horrific instances. This shared responsibility develops a sense of community and teamwork among citizens and city officials to work for a more sustainable and protected future. Through this design proposal, I hope to prepare individuals with the tools and supplies that are most necessary to address the immediate humanistic needs before and after a major disaster.