Technology is playing an increasingly important role in disaster restoration, particularly in the aftermath of major storms. In the wake of Hurricane Irma, for example, Florida Power & Light used drones and other high-tech tools to assess damage and speed up repairs.
In the Tennessee and northern Alabama region, which was hit hard by tornadoes in late April, technology is also playing a key role in the recovery effort. The American Red Cross is using an app called Shelter View to help people find open shelters, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency is using drones to assess damage.
Technology can help speed up the restoration process after a disaster, but it’s important to remember that it’s only one part of the equation. Other factors, such as the availability of resources and the extent of the damage, also play a role in how quickly a community can recover.