Preparedness and Communications

A new after-action report from the Los Angeles Police Department says poor coordination with the Fire Department contributed to evacuation delays and chaos during the Palisades Fire in January.

Currently the city spends over $1 million a year on EMS transport for its frequent 911 callers, most of whom have a mental health diagnosis. The iPads will connect them with help, relieving strain on first responders.

As part of National First Responders Day, Gov. Kathy Hochul highlighted new initiatives including a program that aims to assist public safety agencies to create or improve their own responder wellness efforts.

The idea behind the new technology is to enable quicker emergency response in case of school shootings or weapons threats. The effort reflects larger trends in public safety and government technology.

Metro Atlanta’s biggest 911 dispatch centers are spending millions to switch their networks from copper wire to digital, enabling new features such as video feeds and precise location capabilities.

The way forward for emergency alerting is a technology-based system that's consistent across local, state and federal levels that will reach Americans quickly, clearly and reliably when disaster strikes.

First responders from nearly a dozen communities spent the weekend training with Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training, which included lectures and full drills to practice for real-world events.

In California, Pennsylvania, Washington and elsewhere, water districts are often turning to GIS and other tech tools to better serve their communities and the increasing needs of firefighting.

The communications giant has rolled out a priority 5G slice, a 50 percent bigger drone fleet, satellite texting and more deployables aimed at keeping first responders connected throughout emergencies.

A report critical of the county's emergency preparedness and response will be presented to the Board of Supervisors Tuesday. Officials plan to propose a department restructure, adding more staff and funding.

The 2025 hurricane season has so far been historically quiet and the typical peak has passed, but a tropical storm could affect the Mid-Atlantic coast early next week. Experts say this second peak is a trend.

The one-year pilot program uses satellites and thermal imaging to identify new fires and predict possible spread. The platform comes from German firm OroraTech, which says Idaho is the first in the country to use it.

Three events held by Polk County Family Resource Centers will include information on how to connect with FEMA, how to create a family emergency plan and other information one might not think of during an emergency.

BurnBot can kill the flammable brush sitting within feet of homes and highways on even the hottest and driest days and with virtually no safety risks or disruptions to daily life. Southern California is giving it a shot.

Gov. Tina Kotek signed an executive order Monday to ensure all new state buildings over 10,000 square feet meet the highest seismic safety standards so that in the event of a big quake, government can continue delivering essential services.