Communications Lessons Learned from Operation of the IEEE MOVE Disaster Relief Vehicle

Whenever a natural disaster strikes, many IEEE members wish they could travel to the disaster to help. Many times the disasters are far from home, and not everyone can leave their country to help. A team of IEEE members started a pilot program to address nearby disasters where the infrastructure was temporarily damaged and caused human suffering. They designed and developed, and now operate the Mobile Outreach VEhicle (MOVE) which provides communications, computer, and power solutions after natural disasters strike. The MOVE truck blossomed into the MOVE program, which provides technical services to the American Red Cross as a national Red Cross partner. When not in use for disasters, the MOVE program provides STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics) awareness programs to students and the public. The MOVE program has, thus far, been involved in providing assistance during thirteen (13) natural disasters, several Red Cross outreach activities, and several school/festival outreach activities. This paper describes the lessons learned from three years of operation (June 2016 to May 2019). In particular, we analyze the actual implementation and operation in year 3 where the magnitude and impact of hurricane activity was at historic levels. These hurricanes also overlapped, causing catastrophic damage. Based on these lessons learned during deployments, we identify how this vehicle satisfied the needs of the communities served. We also suggest how the IEEE MOVE concept may be modified or extended in the future, including a smaller modular approach.