Abstract: Emergency response by facilitating communication between an emergency communications center and user devices. Such user devices may be highly available without special training, such as cell phones. Furthermore, such communication is available even without the use of a cellular network. Thus, even in emergencies in which cellular communication is no longer possible, individuals can communicate their emergency needs and situation to an emergency communications center, allowing that center to gain a holistic, comprehensive, and fresh understanding of the needs of the community. The communication center can thereby coordinate with capable individuals and resources within the community to help address those needs.