Synthesizing decision making based on community emergency fire action : a high intensive area, Pasir Gudang

Abstract

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) improvises emergency response in order to assist the rescue group to work effectively during disaster. However, the contribution of ICT for community has always been deserted. Community is always the first to cope with disaster as well as those who suffered most in disaster. Unlike the first line workers, members of community are not professionally trained to deal and confront with emergency situation. Perceived logical, common sense, and spontaneous decision often determine the types of action taken. These however lead to higher risk of losing lives and loss of properties. To determine the decision making for community during emergency and framework of community emergency fire response, Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Simple Multi Attribute Rating Technique (SMART) were compared in order to select a suitable technique for synthesizing the community decision making. Qualitative and quantitative research methodology is chosen to acquire criteria and alternatives for decision matrix development. The framework of community fire emergency response is proposed and validated through interview with experts. Data were obtained from Pasir Gudang community, who lives in high intensive area. The results revealed that community were very much concern on risks of human lives while making decision for fire emergency, and the priority action taken by community is to inform family members and neighbours to prepare for leaving the building. Future work suggests that the framework is used as approach for experts in designing emergency drill as well as established awareness and better understanding of decision making for community during fire.