Using Drones in Disaster Areas: Perspectives of Disaster Responders in North Carolina, Virginia and Maryland

Abstract

Drones are pilotless aircraft and are more formally known as either unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). Drones, as they were referred to in this study, have the capability of being remotely controlled or flying autonomously through software-controlled flight plans that are embedded as part of their navigation systems. The navigation systems include onboard sensors and GPS that provide options to expand the range of responses in dealing with emergencies. Although, drones have been more widely used for military operations, they are increasingly being used as part of emergency response and public safety operations. This aspect of emerging drone use in North Carolina, Virginia and Maryland is the overarching purpose of this study. This study explores factors that influence the effectiveness and efficiency of using drones for disaster preparedness and response operations including assessment of damage following disasters, re-establishing critical communication channels, rescue and evacuation of victims, and the delivery of much needed supplies. It also analyzes specific disasters involving flooding due to hurricanes, and damage as a result of tornadoes and brush fires in North Carolina, Virginia, and Maryland. Due to the impact of climate change, extreme temperatures, rising sea levels, extreme hurricanes and decreased water resources, the fact that these three states have been affected by billion-dollar level disaster damage is cause for concern.