Preparedness

LAFD is requesting more than $1 billion for the coming year, citing needed enhancements following the wildfires there last January. The money would go toward 179 new recruits and a second crew dedicated to fighting wildfires.

Between 2019 and 2025, California paid four tech companies over $450 million to build out its Next-Generation 911 system, but it didn't work as planned. A pivot to a new plan could cost hundreds of millions more.

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.

About half of the United States’ $1.2 trillion outdoor recreation market is at risk from wildfire and flooding, but there are steps communities can take to shore up both the landscape and their economies.

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.

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.

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.

Nearly a year after Hurricane Helene ripped through the South, causing $1.5 billion in damage and leaving hundreds of thousands without power, utility companies are taking lessons learned and bolstering their resilience.

After a hurricane passes, scientists routinely evaluate the computer models that predicted its path and power. This year, a surprising new contender has emerged — a forecast model generated by AI.

Following the July 29 tsunami warning that revealed weaknesses in the Aloha State's preparedness, officials are examining how public communication, evacuation orders and siren systems can change going forward.

Twenty years after Hurricane Katrina, employees at the Federal Emergency Management Agency are warning that a similar disaster is on the horizon because of federal policies about the agency.

Designed to be the wildfire version of a tornado shelter, the FORT is a shed-like emergency shelter that can withstand heat and keep out smoke. The structures could go into production this fall and cost around $70,000.

While the city has a dozen warning sirens, officials say residents should not rely on those as their sole means of learning about an emergency. CodeRED and phone notifications are also essential.