Based in California, the Western Disaster Centre (WDC) is a non-profit applied research institute that focusses on the use of technology to save lives and minimise economic loss from disasters. The WDC includes: 1) Institute for Search and Rescue, which works on advanced technology development projects for search and rescue missions; 2) Centre for Disaster Informatics, which undertakes research on information technology as applied to disaster and emergency management; and 3) HAZUS.org, a standard methodology and software programme for estimating potential losses from earthquakes, floods, and hurricanes.