Drones are being used by a growing number of public safety agencies to help in search and rescue missions as well as disaster prevention.
Natural Disasters
During natural disasters, drones have played a critical role in locating survivors. Drones utilised thermal imaging to determine the whereabouts of people who needed to be rescued after storms hit Texas, Florida, and Puerto Rico. After the 2017 earthquake in Mexico, drones were deployed to assist in the search for dozens of missing people who were buried beneath the rubble.
Drones were used to scan flooded communities, recommend resource deployments, monitor levees, assess bridge, road, and power line damage, and even anticipate future flooding in the aftermath of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma.
Fire Fighting
Fires swept across California in November of last year, becoming the deadliest and most devastating fires in state history. In less than two weeks, the fires had charred almost 150,000 acres. Over 500 drone flights encompassing 26.5 square miles were accomplished by 16 teams of public safety officers over the course of three days. This information was then used to enhance Experienced Rescue Teams operations, prepare for and respond to probable mudslides, locate fire pathways, and more efficiently fight flames.
The South Fork Fire in Yosemite National Park was also battled by utilising drones equipped with thermal cameras. Crews might use the information to determine when a fire has jumped a containment line, allowing them to avoid risky situations. “How guys get killed is weather changes on a dime, sometimes without warning,” said Tom Calvert, battalion chief of the Menlo Park Fire Department. “Having a drone greatly expands your sphere of awareness.”
Future Security in Mind
Drones are increasingly being used by police departments due to their numerous applications. North Carolina, Texas, and Indiana law enforcement agencies have previously expressed interest in expanding their drone programmes. Following a successful year-long pilot programme, the LAPD has declared its intention to establish a huge drone operation.
Additionally, more fire departments are recognising the advantages. Only a few fire departments used drones in 2014. According to a May 2018 article, more than 180 fire departments in the United States have started employing drones for fire and rescue operations, with another 724 state and local police, sheriff, and emergency response organisations adopting drones.
FEMA has begun to use drone technology to predict mudslides and other natural disasters, recognising its potential as well. The FAA granted 137 authorizations for FEMA’s drone activities in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey. The FAA issued 132 more in response to Hurricane Irma, admitting that the use of drones was a “watershed moment in the evolution of drone use.”
Drones can search a much larger area than a response team of searchers on foot or in the air, and their thermal imaging cameras can see through smoke, fog, darkness, and foliage to find victims. Their ability to do Ohio Search And Rescue Team missions is critical, and they are well on their way to proving themselves.