My idea combines and improves existing technology to make it of greater impact to people in need in the first 72 hours and speaks to communications and providing shelter and nutrition vital in the first 72 hours.
My idea is the immediate (possibly air) distribution of: “The text message tent”.
A thermal tent that has a small device within one of the walls or the door of the tent that connects to mobile/cell phone boosters that can send and receive text messages.
The tent is dropped from the air to affected areas. It is thermal so can be used to keep out cold in winter and heat in summer and is equipped with sleeping bags (probably 2-4). Within this tent is a kit that has bottles of drinking water and non perishable food (e.g.. nuts/protein bars)
The door or wall of the tent has a device similar to a basic mobile/cell phone, but just allows for texts to be sent and received. The screen is fed with questions that will prompt the recipients to answer four questions:
What is your name:
Date of birth (as identification):
What is your location:
How many people are with you:
Press Send…
These messages will be received by the mobile/cell phone boosters that feed the area and will have staff ready to communicate them to search and rescue teams as well as create lists that let loved ones know their kin are alive.
With this device many immediate problems can be targeted:
People will be provided with basic food, water and shelter, and with the ability to communicate, letting others know they are alive and need help, and their basic location.