Disaster early warning system based on the postal code: limits and possibilities

Abstract

This research seeks to evaluate whether the issuance of alerts for adverse events and disasters via Short Message Service based on the postal code registered by people is an effective means to prepare the population. The methodological procedures include spatialization of codes registered by people and a comparison with the existing codes, roads, and socio-environmental risks. The results indicate a low percentage of registered people, especially in areas of socio-environmental vulnerability. Furthermore, 10% of informal settlements have limitations in the regularization of roads, which implies the absence of postal codes. Therefore, the Civil Defense process of issuing alerts based on postal codes does not effectively reach the areas of socio-environmental vulnerability, enhancing the risks for the vulnerable population.

risk communication; preparation; resilience; climate change; climate justice