How Technology Supports Disaster Management

Over-the-air (OTA) broadcasting—television and radio signals transmitted freely via airwaves—continues to play a critical role during disasters, despite the rise of internet-based communication. Its value lies in resilience, accessibility, and reach. Here's a breakdown of its importance: 1. Reliable When Other Systems Fail Independent of internet and cell networks: OTA signals don't rely on fiber lines, cellular infrastructure, or cloud services—all of which are vulnerable during hurricanes, wildfires, cyberattacks, or grid failures. Backup power: Many radio and TV stations have generators or fuel supplies that allow them to stay on-air even during extended power outages. Redundant infrastructure: Transmitters are often hardened and geographically dispersed, giving OTA better survivability than some telecom infrastructure. 2. Wide Accessibility Reaches rural and underserved communities: Not everyone has broadband or cell service, but most homes (and many vehicles) still have radios, and many TVs can access local channels without cable. No subscription needed: OTA access is free and doesn’t depend on the user’s economic status or digital literacy. Multi-lingual capabilities: Local stations often provide alerts in multiple languages, reflecting community demographics. 3. EAS (Emergency Alert System) Backbone OTA broadcast stations are integral to the Emergency Alert System, serving as Primary Entry Point (PEP) stations that originate and relay Presidential, FEMA, or state/local alerts. EAS messages automatically interrupt programming to provide life-saving information, even if the public isn't actively watching or listening. NOAA Weather Radio and AM/FM broadcasters are often the first to warn of tornadoes, flash floods, or chemical spills. 4. In-Vehicle Lifeline Car radios are key: People fleeing disasters often depend on OTA radio for situational awareness—road closures, shelter locations, fuel availability, and official updates. 5. Trust and Local Context Local broadcasters are often seen as trusted voices, especially when social media is full of misinformation or panic. They provide real-time context, not just alerts—live reports, press conferences, interviews with emergency officials, and community-specific guidance. 6. Supports Emergency Management Objectives OTA broadcasters can amplify official messaging rapidly across a jurisdiction. In some regions, broadcast stations are incorporated into Continuity of Operations (COOP) plans. Broadcasters often work directly with EOCs to push critical info like evacuation zones, boil water notices, curfews, and reentry policies. Educate the public on how to access OTA channels in an emergency. If you're working with state or local EM, this is a good area to collaborate with broadcast partners on both preparedness outreach and technical planning—especially to ensure public safety communications can reach all populations, regardless of digital access. https://www.nab.org/

With the current impact of cell network outages across almost all carriers in the US, it's a good time to talk about the future; actually, it's not even about the future, it's the present. Several years ago I started talking about having mobile robotics (air, ground and maritime robotics, like drones, rovers and submergible devices) be part of a mobile adhoc network or MANET. One example is a private mesh network, like Silvus Technologies provides. These communications solutions for high bandwidth video, C2, health and telemetry data are absolutely needed in today's environment and allow for a very flexible set-up and coverage; from a local incident scene, to a much larger area coverage, to entire cities or counties being covered. Why the need? While we in the drone industry originally focused on getting drones connected to a cell network, we quickly realized the single point of failure; the cell network infrastructure. Natural disasters, as well as manmade disasters, can impact these networks dramatically. An earthquake, hurricane, a solar storm, or a cyberattack, can take down these public networks for hours to days. And that includes public safety dedicated solutions like FirstNet or Frontline, during times when coms and data push is absolutely needed. Over the past couple of years we have seen the rise of mobile robotics deployments within private networks. While the defense side has done this approach for years, the public safety sector is still new to this concept. Some solutions integrate with a variety of antennas, amplifiers and ground stations, offer low latency, high data rates (up to 100+Mpbs), 256-bit AES encryptions and allow for a very flexible and scalable mobile ad-hoc mesh network solution. And most importantly - independence from a public network system. And now imagine you have multiple devices operating; a helicopter, a drone, a ground robotic, together with individuals on the ground, all connected and all tied into a geospatial information platform, like ATAK/TAK. Each connected device can become a node and extend the range. This is what I am calling building the Tech/Tac Bubble. This is not just the future, this is already happening with a handful of agencies across the US It's time to start thinking about alternative communication solutions and mobile robotics are an important part of leading the way. #UAV #UAS #UGV #Drones #network #MANET #Meshnetwork #publicsafety

In disaster scenarios, timing can mean the difference between safety and catastrophe. Dr. Dianhong Chen, a researcher at the University of Texas at Arlington, has developed an AI-powered tool that helps emergency managers simulate and optimize real-time evacuation plans. Using traffic flow data, population density, and infrastructure stressors, the system enables tailored strategies for hurricanes, wildfires, and other emergencies. The innovation offers a crucial advantage: moving from generic evacuation orders to dynamic, localized guidance that evolves with the crisis. With extreme weather events becoming more frequent, this kind of AI-driven adaptability could be a game-changer for public safety. Smart evacuation isn’t just faster—it’s fairer, safer, and more responsive to real human conditions on the ground. Key Takeaways: - AI is enabling real-time, data-informed evacuation decision-making - The tool accounts for congestion, vulnerable populations, and disaster type - Smarter evacuation planning enhances both speed and equity in crisis response Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/eTgHT_XQ

Here's another article from the ecoresolve team focusing on disaster risk reduction through remote sensing. Determining when, where and which routes are optimal for deploying boats is critical during flood events, especially for coastal communities. This aligns closely with our work on blue carbon and coastal ecosystem conservation initiatives, which leverage mangroves as a nature-based solution for coastal protection during flood events. -- #18 of 2024: UAVs as a Tool for Optimizing Boat-Supported Flood Evacuation Operations -- Key highlights from our work underscore how UAVs enhance traditional flood evacuation efforts, while also pointing to areas for improvement in technology and policy integration. 1. Real-Time Data Collection and Aerial Monitoring - UAVs can provide immediate, real-time data on flood conditions, helping to assess affected areas quickly. This allows rescue teams to adapt their strategies based on current flood patterns and environmental conditions. 2. Optimal Route Planning for Boats - By mapping flood zones from above, UAVs can identify the safest and fastest routes for rescue boats, reducing response times and increasing the efficiency of evacuation operations. 3. Improved Coordination Between Rescue Units - UAVs support better coordination between different rescue teams by relaying real-time information on water levels, obstacles and potential hazards, which aids in synchronizing boat deployment and rescue operations. 4. Challenges in Large-Scale Data Management - While UAVs offer valuable data, managing and processing this information on a large scale remains challenging, especially during emergencies, due to the volume of data and processing needs. 5. Need for Enhanced Policy Frameworks and Training - The integration of UAVs in disaster response calls for updated policy frameworks and specialized training programs for operators. This ensures the effective and safe use of UAVs in emergency scenarios. -- Interesting in delving more? Feel free to connect and/or check out our article. Article link: https://lnkd.in/gxkxe8Vn -- Hope you enjoy the read and please feel free to reach out to me or Lara Moussa if you have any questions/comments/collaborative propositions. Also, thanks again to the amazing ecoresolve team and driven collaborators! Raluca Diaconu, PhD Michael Watt Enrique Muñoz Mónica Rivas Casado Eben North Broadbent Margherita Bruscolini Willie Doaemo -- At ecoresolve, we are currently developing projects in the US, Latin America, Middle East and the Asia Pacific at the intersections of mangrove restoration, seagrass mapping, blue carbon markets, remote sensing, biodiversity conservation, community engagement, disaster management, climate extremities, public health and ecotourism, and would love to connect with like-minded researchers and experts. -- Cheers! Mikey #floodevacuation #drones #disastermanagement #remotesensing

Saving Lives, One Pixel at a Time - End Users Share Their Stories -- https://lnkd.in/gqsnmxV7 <-- shared technical article -- H/T Terry Sohl “For 25 years the International Charter has organized the distribution and use of satellite and remotely sensed data for response to natural disasters across the globe, informing countless applications where timely acquisition of remote sensing data literally...saves lives…” -- “When torrential rains from hurricanes or cyclones flood cities and crops, first responders spring into action. Emergency planners gather food and water and determine where people can take shelter. Aircraft and watercraft are prepared to rescue those who are stranded. Unfortunately, flooding swiftly reshapes landscapes. Roads are under water. Bridges are washed out, and soil saturated with water poses the danger of landslides. Electricity and communications infrastructure are often wiped out. How can emergency agencies know where it is safe to send rescue teams or to route precious supplies? The International Charter: Space and Major Disasters was created for moments like these. The Charter supports emergency response agencies in the midst of disaster by collecting available Earth observing satellite data and mapping the aftermath as soon as possible. Simply put, the assistance provided by the Charter helps save lives—not just during an event but in the critical days and weeks of recovery and damage assessment. The disaster response agencies that use the data often express gratitude for the Charter’s help. For example, after the Charter was activated for Cyclone Chido in Mayotte, COGIC (Centre Opérationnel de Gestion Interministérielle des Crises), the French Interministerial Crisis Management Operational Center, expressed: "Many thanks and congratulations for the work you’ve done, which has enabled a large number of departments in mainland France and on the ground to work on the damage caused by the cyclone." Now that the International Charter: Space and Major Disasters has been in operation for 25 years, the flow of usable satellite imagery has become increasingly smooth, from data contributors to end users. Countries and organizations continue to find better ways to get information to those who need it most…” #GIS #spatial #mapping #webmapping #remotesensing #earthobservation #satellite #imagery #risk #hazard #global #emergencymanagement #naturaldisaster #monitoring #response #planning #management #landsat #hurricane #cyclone #climatechange #extremeweather #flood #flooding #city #urban #crops #agriculture #foodsecurity #infrastructure #emergencyresponse #spatialanalysis #spatiotemporal #InternationalCharterSpaceandMajorDisasters | U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) | Center for Earth Resources Observation and Science

The wildfires in Los Angeles have been devastating—homes lost, lives upended, and communities left reeling. It’s made me think: How can we use the incredible technology in defense to make a real difference when disasters strike? Like disaster response, defense tech thrives under pressure—missions demand speed, precision, and adaptability. Here are a few ways I see defense innovations playing a bigger role in protecting lives and communities: - Advanced Drones: These aren’t just for reconnaissance. Firefighters could use them to map wildfires in real time, monitor how they spread, and even guide evacuations. Drones with thermal imaging could cut through heavy smoke, giving responders the visibility they desperately need. - AI and Predictive Analytics: Security professionals already use AI to predict enemy movements. That same tech could be used to analyze weather, terrain, and vegetation to predict how a fire will behave, potentially changing the game for planning and containment efforts. - Communication Systems: Satellite communications and encrypted data transmission allow for real-time coordination among rescue teams, faster dissemination of critical information to affected populations, and more efficient management of relief efforts. This isn’t just about technology—it’s about leadership. Companies building defense tech have an incredible opportunity to step up and work directly with emergency services. How can we make sure defense tech companies and disaster management teams collaborate more effectively? What incentives could help drive innovation that serves both national security and public safety? The tools, talent, and technology already exist—we just need to make the connections. The next time disaster strikes, let’s make sure we’re ready to respond with everything we’ve got, not just as technologists, but as people who care deeply about protecting our communities.

Distributing Video during a Public Safety Crisis Response: Many modern public safety agencies now embrace cellular data transmission to enhance situational information during crisis operations. Transmitting video from drones and other aviation assets provides significant situational awareness benefits for both command and front-line personnel. Public safety operations teams and mobile network operators must consider the impact that these video flows will have on other cellular data applications, such as push-to-talk, CAD access, tactical situational awareness maps (e.g., Team Awareness Kit (TAK)), and other command tools. To help public safety officials and mobile operators understand the impact of massive video transmission on the network during a crisis, a TCCA-Critical Communications Critical Communications Broadband Group (CCBG) task force produced an informative guidance document that is well worth the read. The task force included subject matter experts from industry and government. Sami Honkaniemi and Sanne Stijve led this work. Topics addressed include: • Use cases and requirements • Network design, dimensioning, & radio planning • Operations considerations • Video flow descriptions and characteristics A fascinating example of drone video support is provided with a look at the 2020 Gjerdrum disaster. In the early hours of December 30, a landslide covered the village of Ask. The task force includes a review of the disaster response and the contributions made by drones, video, and voice communications. I had the honor of introducing the incident commander, Anders Løberg, Fire and Rescue Chief, Øvre Romerike Fire and Rescue, when he presented at Critical Communications World in 2021. The Chief talked about the lack of GIS situational awareness tools. Eventually, the incident team adopted tools from a local volunteer Search and Rescue organization to plot the locations of structures, victims, and rescue assets. The Chief's presentation introduced me to the world of GIS situational awareness tools. It ultimately led me to discover and appreciate the extraordinary value of the Team Awareness Kit (ATAK, iTAK, WinTAK, WebTAK) software suite. This TCCA Task Force document is a significant contribution that will help make such delivery feasible. Anders Martinsen's photo on Page 37 shows an example of drone operations at disaster scenes. If you fast-forward to future events, I foresee a different picture emerging. Pilots will control the drones remotely and the video feed will flow directly into control rooms and hand-held mobile terminals for presentation on the TAK clients. I believe this future is now. #DFR #ATAK #TAK #MCDATA Link to the paper: https://lnkd.in/ePizk2Pb Be sure to catch the TCCA webinar scheduled for January 21. Registration is at this link: https://lnkd.in/eV6FR9FQ

In the face of disaster, every second counts. Amphibious robots are changing the way we respond, enabling rapid, effective action in places where human teams once couldn’t reach. ✅ Key facts: ↳ $171.7M investment from the EPA in 2025 ↳ 544 experts on the frontlines ↳ 1.21B pounds of pollutants cleared in 2023 Here’s why this tech is a game-changer: ➡️ Mastering Any Terrain These robots excel in moving across water, land, snow, and mud. They swim, crawl, and traverse rough terrain autonomously, reaching hazardous zones that are too dangerous for people. ➡️ Innovative, Modular Design Their screw-shaped pontoons serve as both wheels and propellers, while upcoming soft actuators will further enhance mobility. They can carry tools for: • Real-time water sampling • Pollution detection • Geotechnical analysis ➡️ AI-Powered Safety AI-driven robots deploy quickly in emergencies, work autonomously, and adapt to unpredictable conditions. This keeps rescue teams safe and provides vital information on disaster zones. This isn’t just tech for tech’s sake; it’s about empowering humans with faster, smarter, and safer disaster response capabilities. #robotics #environment #innovation #climateaction

When disaster strikes, digital public infrastructure (DPI) can rapidly transform public services. This is the foundational digital capabilities nations provide to facilitate efficient and secure interactions within society, such as proving identity, paying for goods and services, or sharing data. DPI is a country’s digital backbone, rapidly enabling modern and responsive government, increasing inclusion and economic participation, and stimulating innovation across all sectors. 🚨 But at a time of national emergency, DPI can deploy national-scale digital services that meet citizens’ needs, with the cost-effectiveness, scale, and flexibility needed to meet the unfolding situation. 🎥 This video and blog https://lnkd.in/gRKZ5PZM, written by Dasun Hegoda, share a great example: when fuel shortages paralyzed 🇱🇰 Sri Lanka 🇱🇰 in 2022, the national Information Communication Technology Agency of Sri Lanka leveraged Amazon Web Services (AWS) Cloud & used DPI to get the country moving. Developed in just three weeks, the innovative QR-code-based National Fuel Pass eliminated 5-day queues, processed 11 million transactions, and cut fuel import costs from $500 million to $240 million USD. Pete Herlihy Poppy H. Watch: https://lnkd.in/gtxPgG5H

🚨 Los Angeles Fires: A Critical Lesson in Emergency Mass Notification 🚨 In the face of emergencies like the devastating fires in Los Angeles, having a UNIFIED Mass Notification System isn’t just a "nice to have"—it's essential for saving lives. Here’s why: Despite the best efforts of emergency management teams, evacuation alerts from software systems were received HOURS after they were sent. This wasn’t due to damaged cell towers—they were sent before the towers were impacted. 🔑 What’s the solution? A truly UNIFIED Mass Notification System. A UNIFIED system ensures: ✅ Alerts are sent through multiple channels: electronic, indoor systems, and outdoor sirens. ✅ Redundancy protects communication when cellular and power systems fail. ✅ SAFE Units deliver alerts directly into homes, operating on a SAFE Network that doesn’t rely on cellular or AC power. The takeaway for emergency managers: "We have alert software; we’re good" is no longer enough. Even the most advanced software networks can fail in real-life emergencies. Outdoor sirens, indoor alerting, and resilient technologies like SAFE Units are game changers in reaching people when it matters most. As we watch these fires unfold, let’s push for stronger, more resilient notification systems to protect our communities. Lives depend on it. #EmergencyManagement #MassNotification #LosAngelesFires #DisasterPreparedness #PublicSafety