City of Houston OEM: Website Development for Public Safety and Preparedness

INTRODUCTION:

This project aimed to enhance the City of Houston's Office of Emergency Management (OEM) communication capabilities by redesigning its website and developing a multilingual advertising campaign. The core focus was to improve accessibility and engagement with Houston residents, particularly those from diverse linguistic backgrounds. The project encompassed a comprehensive website overhaul, including multilingual options, and the creation of targeted advertising to promote the updated platform.

OBJECTIVE:

The primary objective was to modernize the Houston OEM website, making it a more effective tool for disseminating critical emergency information to all residents. This involved implementing a user-friendly interface with multilingual support, ensuring that non-English speakers could easily access vital resources. Additionally, the project aimed to increase awareness of the updated website through a multilingual advertising campaign, encouraging residents to utilize the platform for preparedness and response information.

SOLUTION:

The solution involved a multi-faceted approach, beginning with a complete redesign of the OEM website. This included integrating a language selector with options for English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese, French, and Arabic, ensuring broad accessibility. The website featured key sections such as "Prepare," "Respond," and "Recover," each with tailored content and resources. Furthermore, the development of a multilingual advertising campaign, encompassing various media, aimed to drive traffic to the updated website. The campaign focused on culturally sensitive messaging that resonated with diverse communities.

EXECUTION:

The project's execution involved several key phases. First, the website redesign included database structuring, plugin installation, theme configuration, and content creation for each language. This was followed by the development of user-friendly features like a language selector, emergency alert registration, and interactive data points. The advertising campaign involved creating multilingual scripts, producing ads, and deploying them across relevant media channels. Rigorous testing, including User Acceptance Testing (UAT), was conducted to ensure functionality and accuracy.

RESULTS:

The redesigned website significantly improved accessibility for non-English speaking residents, providing them with critical emergency information in their native languages. The multilingual advertising campaign effectively raised awareness of the updated website, leading to increased traffic and engagement. The project successfully enhanced the OEM's ability to communicate with and serve the diverse population of Houston, improving overall community preparedness and response capabilities.

IMPACT:

This project had a profound impact on the City of Houston's emergency management capabilities. By providing accessible information in multiple languages, the OEM was able to reach a wider audience, ensuring that all residents could prepare for and respond to emergencies effectively. The improved website and advertising campaign contributed to a more informed and resilient community, particularly among underserved populations. This initiative strengthened the connection between the OEM and the residents of Houston, fostering trust and promoting proactive engagement in emergency preparedness.