Modern technology is changing the world as we know it, and it’s fair to say that these innovations can be both good and bad, depending on who you ask.
One industry in which it’s almost certainly having a positive effect, however, is disaster management.
New, innovative technology is being developed all over the world to try and contribute to efforts that will decrease the damage caused by natural disasters, specifically hurricanes and tornadoes. Not only that, modern tech is now helping experts predict extreme weather in order to be able to preemptively mitigate risk.
Indeed, for locations that regularly experience the devastating effects of tornadoes and hurricanes, the establishment and improvement of this advanced technology represents an opportunity to help people avoid danger, minimise risk and aid rescue missions, essentially improving all stages of the danger.
How Can Modern Technology Be Used in Disaster Management?
There are plenty of very specific things that can be done to protect potential victims, as well as look after infrastructure and more in the event of hurricanes and tornadoes, but overall, there are five main ways in which modern technology can help contribute to hurricane and tornado management:
1. Predictions and Early Warning Systems
As the age-old proverb says, prediction is better than cure, and when possible, the same is true in the world of disaster management.
Modern technology is allowing for new ways in which weather patterns can be effectively monitored, predicting tornadoes and hurricanes and warning the public in ways that are calm and safe.
These predictions can be made by means of advanced weather forecasting models that use AI, satellite imagery, IoT (Internet of Things) sensors and Doppler radar tech.
2. Mitigation of Risk and Disaster Preparedness
Once the occurrence of a disaster is predicted to occur, technology can be used to help prepare and mitigate risks. This can be done by means of apps and alerts, as well as AI predictive analytics and more.
Essentially, these types of things will help move people out of harm’s way. Or, technology that can point out potential issues, such as a building’s ability to withstand a tornado, may help people improve safety measures.
3. Response and Recovery
Being prepared only goes so far, and there are now plenty of tactics that can be used to aid recovery and response efforts in the wake of tornadoes and hurricanes. This includes technology such as geospatial analytics, drones equipped with cameras and sensors, AI-powered damage assessment and robotic tech used in rescue operations.
By means of advanced technology, rescue, response and recovery efforts can be improved tenfold.
4. Post Disaster Communication
A major problem in the wake of disasters is that communication lines are often down, so it can be incredibly helpful to have access to alternative post-disaster communication that can help emergency response teams contact and be contacted by the public.
This can involve things like satellite phones and mesh networks.
5. Public Awareness and Education
Modern technology, in the form of augmented reality and virtual reality especially, are helping to improve and encourage public awareness and education regarding hurricanes and tornados and the ways in which they can be incredibly dangerous, as well as informing them about possible ways to improve things.
Top 7 Hurricane and Tornado Tech Startups
From education and preparation to early warnings and recovery solutions, here are the top 7 hurricane and tornado tech startups that are helping to keep people safe and prepared.
1. Disaster Central
Founded in Missoula, USA in 2022, Disaster Central is designed as a planning and preparation tool that can be used in case of hurricanes and tornadoes.
By means of step-by-step guidance, users are able to utilise the Disaster Central application, offering help geared towards both individuals and households, to keep themselves safe in the wake of natural disasters.
Furthermore, data received about victims via the app can contribute to rescue and aid efforts, not only giving people advice on what to do but also increasing their chances of being found and helped.
2. CocoWireless
CocoWirelss is an advanced AI-powered weather prediction system that has the ability to monitor weather in order to provide users with real-time information on data, reports and important notifications.
By means of text message services, CocoWireless is able to provide predictions and warnings relating to nearby weather, including potentially dangerous incidents like hurricanes and tornadoes, potentially helping users stay out of harm’s way.
CocoWireless was founded in Kahului in 2023 by Jacob Van Almelo, and the startup aims to use both current and future AI technology to continue to contribute to the diaster-preparedness industry.
3. DISASTRACK
Founded in Panama, DISASTRACK’s platform provides users with real-time information, data and updates regarding disaster situations, especially in the wake of a hurricane or tornado.
Emergency responders are able to make use of the platform to monitor supply chains of emergency goods, as well as aid the distribution process and deploy disaster logistics within communities.
The goal behind DISASTRACK is to not only help individuals in dangerous situations but also to help governments reduce costs and become more efficient in disaster mitigation and recovery efforts by means of technology-enabled organisation and logistics.
4. Disaster Tech
Disaster Tech is a US-based startup that uses advanced data science and decision-based technology to help provide users with improved situational awareness, operational coordination and risk management not only after hurricanes and tornadoes but also before and during disasters.
By means of sophisticated analytics software, the Disaster Tech software helps responders and leaders make smart, data-driven decisions that are more likely to save lives and reduce the devastation caused by natural disasters.
Disaster Tech was founded in Alexandria in 2019 and has since received several millions of dollars of pre-seed and angel investment.
5. IDEA Health Research
Based in Delhi, India, IDEA Health Research is a disaster-related tech startup that aims to create and conduct training programmes to help both individuals and first responders react well in the wake of natural disasters like tornadoes and hurricanes.
The startup works in conjunction with other related businesses in the field of disaster and crisis management, including various NGOs and government institutions.
The intention behind IDEA is to democratise and increase accessibility of education and training on how best to deal with dangerous natural disasters in an effort to decrease injury and death and help first responders deal with mass casualties, multi-hazard mapping (GIS), evacuation protocols and more.
6. One Concern
One Concern is a climate resilience technology company working towards finding solutions for large-scale natural disasters like hurricanes and tornadoes.
By means of advanced AI, data science catastrophe modelling, One Concern has created a virtual replica of the real world. This replica, referred to as the Digital Twin, allows the startup to run simulations that mirror real-life disaster scenarios and events like hurricanes and tornadoes in order to evaluate potential damage and identify vulnerabilities.
One Concern’s advanced technology offers risk mitigation for individuals, industries and specific businesses alike, allowing them to identify vulnerabilities and alter them accordingly in order to increase safety and decrease the likelihood of costly damage.
One Concern was founded in 2015 by Nicole Hu, Timothy Fran and Ahmad Wani.
7. HailStrike
HailStrike is an advanced weather forensics company that collects detailed data for analytical purposes, aiming to contribute to the prediction of extreme weather events.
Inspired by innovation, HailStrike uses its comprehensive tools, services and patented algorithms to provide data on impending weather and generate accurate and detailed reports within hours. From there, the company is able to issue notifications and alerts, contributing to people’s ability to prepare for tornadoes and hurricanes, as well as data that can help with research both before and after the incidents.