Aug 23, 2024

Top 7 Hurricane and Tornado Tech Startups Gina MarrsAugust 23, 2024 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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.